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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a dramatic turn of events, a man previously granted a commuted sentence by the Biden administration’s use of autopen has found himself back in custody. Oscar Fowler, a repeat offender, was apprehended by the St. Petersburg Police Department earlier this week, marking a significant development in a saga that has drawn attention to the use of autopen in federal commutations.
Fowler’s arrest, which took place on Monday, February 23, resulted in charges of intent to sell a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a felon. The swift action by local authorities underscores the ongoing concerns about public safety and the implications of autopen-approved commutations.
Attorney General James Uthmeier voiced his criticism of the Biden administration’s reliance on autopen for commutation decisions, suggesting it has endangered communities. “The Biden administration’s use of the autopen is putting Floridians at risk by allowing dangerous felons back on the street,” Uthmeier stated. He emphasized his commitment to scrutinizing all auto-penned commutations and pardons affecting Florida, pledging to collaborate with all levels of government to pursue state-level charges whenever possible. “Auto-pen accountability starts today,” he declared.
Prior to his recent arrest, Fowler was serving a 12.5-year sentence in federal prison before his release was granted through an autopen commutation. This latest incident has prompted renewed calls for more stringent oversight of such decisions.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway expressed relief over Fowler’s arrest, highlighting its significance for local safety. “Oscar Fowler needs to be held accountable for his actions, and his arrest represents an important step in protecting our community,” Holloway stated. “St. Petersburg is safer with him off our streets.”
According to the AG’s office, these charges are the state equivalent of Fowler’s prior federal charges.
The investigation was a joint effort between the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives-Tampa Field Division, State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit Bruce Bartlett, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
“ATF is proud to have played a role in locking up this notoriously violent offender in 2024,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell, “and we will continue to help our local, state, and federal partners keep America—and communities across Florida—safe.”
Fowler is a convicted felon with a criminal history that spans more than a decade, the attorney general’s office said. If convicted, Fowler faces up to 45 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.