FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit (813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, Fla. (August 1, 2023) — Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez is marking a historic first year in office after successfully rebuilding relationships with local law enforcement, strengthening ties with community partners, and taking a tougher approach to violent crime by holding offenders accountable. As the county’s first female State Attorney, Lopez has vigorously advocated for crime victims by personally meeting with each homicide victim’s family to ensure they have support from the beginning of the legal process.
Over the last year, the State Attorney has demonstrated her dedication to a safer community by successfully resolving several high-profile criminal cases, ensuring violent killers never have a chance to walk the streets again. Following six years of litigation in one of Hillsborough County’s most prolific murder cases, the Seminole Heights killer will spend the rest of his life behind bars after finally taking responsibility for his heinous crimes. State Attorney Lopez met personally with families to collectively reach a decision that would allow them a chance to find closure and peace by avoiding decades of legal battles in the appeals process.
Two of the county’s longest-standing homicide cases were also brought to a successful conclusion under State Attorney Lopez’s leadership. Michael Keetley, the man responsible for a 2010 double murder in Ruskin will spend the rest of his life in prison for his crimes following more than a decade moving through the legal system. Convicted killer Steven Lorenzo, who committed the horrific murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz in 2003, was
sentenced to death. State Attorney Lopez represented the State of Florida during the penalty phase of that case, marking the first time in two decades that a State Attorney litigated a case.
State Attorney Lopez is also committed to taking a tough stance on teen gun violence after consoling family members over the last year whose lives have been destroyed in the wake of these senseless crimes. She works collaboratively with local organizations like Safe & Sound Hillsborough and Rise Up for Peace to educate the community about the dangers of gun violence. In addition, State Attorney Lopez has ensured the punishment in these types of cases fit the crime. If a juvenile commits a violent crime with a firearm, he or she is no longer given a pass because of their age. She believes people who make reckless decisions with firearms and endanger the community should face the consequences.
State Attorney Lopez believes the agency’s impact outside of the courtroom is just as crucial as successfully prosecuting crimes inside of the courtroom. As a Tampa native, she has a dedication to numerous causes close to her heart and has encouraged her team to give back to the community through service. From a new partnership with the Tampa Police Department called “Shielding Our Teens” to mentor high school students over the summer to clothing drives for victims of domestic violence, the State Attorney’s Office has prioritized volunteerism over the last year to build trust and deeper connections with those who we serve. The State Attorney’s Office has also begun a program called “Bridging the Badge,” where our attorneys and law enforcement officers engage in ride-along and shadowing opportunities to better collaborate on criminal cases.
“I am both incredibly proud and humbled by the impactful work this agency has achieved in such a short amount of time. We have successfully shifted back to basics; evaluating each unique case based on the facts, not political convenience. My greatest accomplishment over the last year has been personally connecting with the families of those who have been impacted by violent crimes. Victims now know that they have our full support as an agency as we help them navigate the most difficult time of their lives. It is a heavy responsibility, but one I do not take for granted. I want to thank each of these families for trusting my team with their cases as we fight for justice,” said State Attorney Lopez.
“Suzy Lopez had a remarkable first year as State Attorney. She rebuilt the community’s trust, reestablished a relationship with law enforcement, and has been a tough-on-crime leader who has worked to bring back the rule of law in Hillsborough County,” said James Uthmeier, Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis.
“State Attorney Suzy Lopez is a strong partner with law enforcement. She has remained focused on holding criminals accountable, seeks justice for victims, and works with stakeholders to find alternatives for individuals that may deserve a second chance after making a simple mistake.
Hillsborough County is safe because of State Attorney Suzy Lopez,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
“State Attorney Lopez demonstrates a level of professionalism and leadership that ensures a strong relationship between the State Attorney’s Office and the Tampa Police Department. I am proud to work alongside her and her office as we work in partnership with our community to make Tampa safer, together,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
“State Attorney Lopez has restored credibility and transparency back to the State Attorney’s Office. At her core, she is a prosecutor, not a politician. The people of Hillsborough County can sleep better at night knowing she’s on the job,” said former Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan.
“The relationship between the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement is extremely important in the criminal justice system. State Attorney Lopez and her staff have been very intentional in working with the Plant City Police Department in promoting public safety. We look forward to continuing our partnership to provide the best possible service to our community with a relationship based on trust and open communication,” said Plant City Police Chief James Bradford.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer a word of thanks and sincere appreciation to State Attorney Lopez and her entire staff. Over the course of the previous year, we have enjoyed a renewed sense of teamwork and understanding during all our interactions with the State Attorney’s Office. Her leadership, accessibility, and support have been vividly displayed throughout the year and is greatly appreciated by our entire department,” said Temple Terrace Police Chief Kenneth Albano.
“I applaud the work State Attorney Lopez has done to strengthen the tie between her office and law enforcement. Holding those who harm others accountable for their actions ensures justice for victims and ensures that we as law enforcement officers are able to keep our communities safe. This is important for us in Pasco, considering our shared borders and communities,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
“As a member of the Leadership Council of Safe & Sound Hillsborough, State Attorney Lopez has stayed committed to working alongside our agencies and community members to prevent and reduce violence; specifically, gun violence amongst youth. Her office continues providing support for victims and their families while working to get in front of youth before they get too deep into the system. She is also an active, visible participant in our community events and strong supporter of our programming throughout Hillsborough County. We appreciate everything she and her staff do to help keep our community ‘Safe & Sound,” said Freddy Barton, Executive Director Safe & Sound Hillsborough.
“Over the past year, I’ve had the honor to work closely with State Attorney Lopez. She has been steadfast in her support for sexual assault survivors through the ongoing collaboration between her office and our sexual assault services team. She has also gone the extra mile by hosting a clothing and linens drive for survivors who come to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. We appreciate her work in helping victims of crime in our community,” said Clara Reynolds, CEO Crisis Center Tampa Bay.
“State Attorney Lopez is a wonderful advocate for important community organizations such as the Veterans Treatment Court and Tampa Citizens Review Board. I appreciate her leadership and collaboration and look forward to her many years in office,” said Retired U.S. Army Col. D.J. Reyes, Veterans Treatment Court Mentor and City of Tampa Citizens Review Board Member.
State Attorney Lopez was appointed State Attorney by Governor Ron DeSantis on August 4, 2023. Prior to her appointment, she worked as an attorney for the Second District Court of Appeal before becoming an Assistant State Attorney in the 13th Judicial Circuit in 2005. She was appointed County Court Judge in 2021.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
· Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
· Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
· Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO
About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.