Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office, 13th Judicial Circuit

Check out State Attorney Suzy Lopez's column in the Osprey Observer about our office's first ever Advocacy Day!

State Attorney’s Office Holds First-ever ‘Advocacy Day’ By State Attorney Suzy Lopez When someone becomes the victim of a crime, their life can change in an instant. In those painful moments, our office works hard

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month. Today, June 5, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Every act of gun violence leaves a lasting impact on victims, families, and our entire community. Accountability remains an important part of the solution.

At the State Attorney's Office, our Gun Violence Unit is dedicated to prosecuting those who use fi****ms to commit violent crimes. We are focused on working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and help make our neighborhoods safer.

This month, we remember victims and the survivors of gun violence by reaffirming our commitment to pursuing justice for them.

What a great evening celebrating Tampa Bay sports legends!

State Attorney Suzy Lopez joined the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame Banquet and had the opportunity to congratulate Glenn Permuy on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as Hall of Fame inductees Darrell Jackson and Jimmie Giles.

Thank you for your contributions to our community and for helping make Tampa Bay such a special place.

🚨Man Accused of Ra**ng and Kidnapping Two Women Held Without Bond🚨

Troy Eubanks was arrested for the r**e and kidnapping of two escorts in separate incidents in Tampa. Police say Eubanks contacted both women online and agreed upon a price for s*x before carjacking them and committing s*xual battery at gunpoint.

Assistant State Attorney Christine Boulous successfully argued that the defendant remains a danger to the community and should be held at no bond. An arraignment date has not yet been set.

🚨Mandatory Life Sentence for Capital Sexual Battery🚨

A jury found Lizandro Mendez Jimenez guilty of capital s*xual battery of a victim under the age of 12. Under Florida law, he must now be sentenced to life in prison. The sentencing will happen next month.

The brave victim testified and shared experiences no child should ever have to endure. Throughout the trial, the victim received support from Lorne, the courthouse facility dog, who provided comfort during a difficult time.

Cases involving child victims are often among the most challenging to prosecute because of the trauma that survivors carry and the courage it takes for them to speak about what happened. Because of the victim's strength and the dedicated work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, the jury returned a guilty verdict and held this defendant accountable. He will never walk our streets again.

⚖ This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Joseph Kudia and Kelsey Day.

🚨25 Years in Prison for Ramming HCSO Deputy with Vehicle 🚨

William Lewis was fleeing from a DUI traffic stop in 2024 when he hit an HCSO deputy with his vehicle, breaking both of his legs. Today, Lewis was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 8 years of probation. He pleaded guilty to the following charges:

🔴Attempted third-degree murder of an LEO
🔴Aggravated battery on a LEO
🔴Leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury
🔴Reckless driving with serious bodily injury
🔴Fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer
🔴Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver

When a deputy is seriously injured in the line of duty, it impacts more than just one person. It affects a family, an agency, and an entire community. This sentence holds the defendant accountable and demonstrates that violence against our law enforcement officers will not be tolerated.

⚖Assistant State Attorney Jessica O'Connor successfully prosecuted this case.

🌀Hurricane Justice & Preparedness Guide🌀

It's that time of year again. While you're reviewing your family's hurricane safety plan, take a look at our office's Hurricane Justice & Preparedness Guide. It's designed to teach you how to protect you and your family before, during, and after a storm.

From avoiding unlicensed contractors after disaster, to protecting yourself from fraud and scams that often target storm victims, this guide highlights the issues we see every year in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Learn more: https://hillsboroughsao.gov/about/hurricane-guide/

⭐ State Attorney Lopez Joins Gentleman's Quest Awards Gala 2026 ⭐

State Attorney Lopez was honored to attend the Gentleman's Quest Awards Gala 2026 and celebrate a group of young men who are building bright futures for themselves and our community.

This incredible Hillsborough County organization mentors male students and provides life-changing opportunities for personal and academic growth. Their impact speaks for itself, with a 100% high school graduation rate among participants.

Since 2018, Gentleman's Quest has helped more than 3,480 students develop the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to succeed. During her remarks, State Attorney Lopez offered every Gentleman's Quest student opportunities at our office, including job shadowing, internships, and job interviews after graduation.

We were especially proud to meet Don'Trevius Gadson, a graduating senior from Spoto High School who is headed to Florida A&M University this fall. He told us he plans to become a criminal defense attorney. We let him know there's an internship waiting for him whenever he's ready. Who knows? Maybe we'll convince him to become a prosecutor instead.

Congratulations to these outstanding students, their families, and the mentors who invest so much in their success. Providing opportunities for students to be successful is how we build a stronger community together.

🚨Man Guilty of Murder During Hurricane Milton Cleanup🚨

A jury found Derrick Smith guilty of second-degree murder after he shot and killed a man while they were performing Hurricane Milton cleanup work. The murder happened in 2024 at 1000 Century Park Drive in Tampa.

The killing was captured on video, showing Smith shooting the victim, then kicking him before fleeing the scene. Two coworkers who were helping with the cleanup heard the gunshots. One rushed to render aid in an attempt to save the victim’s life.

Smith faces up to life in prison and will be sentenced in June. Assistant State Attorneys Christina Berkowicz and Jeremy Wright successfully prosecuted the case.

🍍Viral Kool-Aid pineapples in the house! 🍍

There’s no better way to cap off our week than a visit from ! Our Mailroom Supervisor David Thompson is ready to serve everyone the best shaved ice on the planet until 2pm right outside of the courthouse on Jefferson. He’s added the to the menu! We are wishing everyone a safe weekend!