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. (October 11, 2024) — Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez has a warning for thieves as our community cleans up following Hurricane Milton: “Now is not the time to prey on your neighbors. You will be held accountable, and you can face harsher penalties while our community is under a state of emergency.”
State Attorney Lopez has been working closely with our law enforcement partners throughout the storm to ensure they have access to all legal resources needed to hold criminals accountable. Unfortunately, thieves can take advantage of our residents during times of crisis. Our office will make sure these criminals are held accountable for their actions.
Crimes including theft, burglary, robbery, grand theft, and contracting without a license can be enhanced by one degree if committed in specific circumstances during a state of emergency. That means a misdemeanor can be upgraded to a felony, while felonies can be enhanced by one degree.
Our office previously received reports following Hurricane Helene regarding thieves stealing items from the yards of storm victims. Residents must also stay vigilant as we clean up following Hurricane Milton.
“Now is the time to help your neighbors, not steal from them. If you are thinking about taking advantage of storm victims, be ready to accept the consequences. My office stands ready to prosecute thieves to the fullest extent of the law,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
To report a theft, contact the Tampa Police Non-Emergency Line at 813-231-6130 or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Line at 813-247-8200. As always, call 911 in an emergency.
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