Florida Arrests Repeat Offender Oscar Fowler After Biden Autopen Commutation; AG Launches Review of All Such Clemencies

Uthmeier stated that the Biden administration's use of the autopen is putting Floridians at risk by allowing dangerous felons back on the street. He directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to review every auto-penned commutation and pardon from the Biden administration that affects Florida.

Uthmeier said he has directed prosecutors to review every auto-penned commutation and pardon from the Biden administration affecting Florida, and stated, "If we can bring state-level charges, we will work with every level of government to do so. Auto-pen accountability starts today."

Fowler is a convicted felon with a criminal history spanning more than a decade. He was previously serving a 12.5-year federal prison sentence before it was commuted by autopen.

Last week, Uthmeier directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to review the facts surrounding Fowler's commutation and the viability of state charges for his crimes.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, Fowler was taken into custody by the St. Petersburg Police Department and charged with two counts of intent to sell a controlled substance and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

These charges are the state equivalent to 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.

St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said Fowler needs to be held accountable for his actions and that his arrest represents an important step in protecting the community.

ATF Tampa Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell said the agency is proud to have played a role in locking up this notoriously violent offender in 2024.

If convicted, Fowler faces up to 45 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The arrest underscores Florida's commitment to pursuing prosecutions to the fullest extent of the law, even when federal clemency decisions issued via autopen attempt to override accountability and jeopardize public safety.