Ousted state attorney Warren urges action in case that could get him his job back

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, removed from his post by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022, asked an appeals court to take action on a federal ruling that could lead to his reinstatement.

Warren’s attorneys filed a motion to issue mandate document in the 11th Circuit Court of appeals on Monday, citing months of inaction in the case.

“For nearly six months, a single judge of this Court has withheld issuance of the mandate in a case that has been expedited at every stage—from discovery to appeal—and that will determine whether the votes of hundreds of thousands of Floridians actually matter,” the argument stated.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee sided with the twice-elected Democrat last year, stating that DeSantis violated the First Amendment and Florida Constitution when he suspended Warren.

However, the judge said he lacked the authority to reinstate him. An appeals court later determined that Hinkle actually does have the lawful ability to put the ousted state attorney back in office.

In Warren v. DeSantis, DeSantis requested a full panel of judges to weigh in after a January court order. As for where the case stands now, not much has happened since the start of the year.

“As the filing says, there is no legitimate reason for this delay,” Warren said in a statement Wednesday. “Crime has gone way up in my absence, and this delay not only denies us all justice but undermines the safety of our community with every passing day.”

In an April news conference, DeSantis claimed Hillsborough County is becoming safer with Suzy Lopez, who replaced him as state attorney, at the helm. Both Lopez and Warren are running for election this year.

DeSantis suspended Warren over alleged neglect of duty. He declined to answer when 8 On Your Side asked if he planned to suspend Warren again, if he is reelected.

The governor’s office also declined to comment on the new motion to mandate. Deputy Press Secretary Julia Friedland stated their response will be included in upcoming filings.

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