TAMPA, FL (September 13, 2024) — Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Johnson has been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a Judge on the Hillsborough County Court. Johnson is currently the Chief of Felony Division E and has been a prosecutor with the 13th Judicial Circuit since 2005.
A graduate of the Florida State University College of Law, Johnson became Chief of our office’s Special Victims Unit in 2018, overseeing all sex crimes and child abuse cases. In 2021, the Tampa Police Department honored Johnson with the Bell/Childers Award, which recognizes an Assistant State Attorney who goes above and beyond to bring justice to victims and their families. Johnson received the award for her tireless dedication to prosecuting human trafficking cases and violence against children.
Johnson successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases including the Michael Keetley trial, where the former ice cream man was convicted of killing two people and severely wounding four others. Johnson also prosecuted Trevor Summers, the man who kidnapped and attempted to kill his ex-wife in 2017. Both defendants are now spending the rest of their lives in prison.
Johnson also served as second chair for the Granville Ritchie trial. Ritchie was convicted of raping and murdering a 9-year-old girl before dumping her body off the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Ritchie was sentenced to death for the brutal murder.
“Jennifer Johnson is a fearless prosecutor who stands up for victims. She has been a strong leader in this office, prosecuting complex cases and securing justice for families across our county. This appointment is a testament to her integrity, dedication, and expertise. Jennifer will make a phenomenal judge, and our entire office congratulates her on this monumental achievement,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
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.