ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Florida authorities say repeat felon Oscar Fowler has been arrested again in St. Petersburg on charges involving narcotics and illegal firearm possession.
Fowler, whose criminal history spans over a decade and includes drug trafficking, firearm offenses, and repeated violent conduct, had previously served a 12.5-year federal sentence. His sentence was shortened through an autopen-signed clemency order in the final days of the Biden Administration.
On February 23, Fowler was taken into custody after investigators linked him to new drug activity involving controlled substances. Officers recovered evidence supporting two counts of intent to sell a controlled substance and one count of felon in possession of a firearm—mirroring the conduct that led to his prior federal incarceration.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier noted that Fowler’s repeated offenses demonstrate persistent risk factors, including access to firearms, involvement with narcotics, and a history of violent crimes. The arrest was the result of a coordinated investigation involving the St. Petersburg Police Department, the ATF Tampa Field Division, State Attorney Bruce Bartlett, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Uthmeier also raised concerns about federal clemency safeguards, directing a review of all autopen-signed clemency decisions to assess whether further state prosecutions are warranted.
If convicted on the current charges, Fowler could face up to 45 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
