Career Criminal Freed by Biden Autopen Clemency Back in Florida Custody on New State Charges
Oscar Freemond Fowler III — a repeat offender who was freed under a Jan. 17, 2025 commutation executed by President Biden via autopen — has been taken back into custody in Florida on new state charges, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced. Uthmeier said the arrest occurred “moments ago” in an X post and credited the St. Petersburg Police Department and ATF Tampa; conservatives have criticized the autopen clemency as being misused for violent offenders.
📌 Key Facts
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Oscar Freemond Fowler III has been taken back into custody to face state charges.
- Uthmeier said the arrest occurred "moments ago" in a post on X and credited the St. Petersburg Police Department and ATF Tampa for the capture.
- Fox News reported the update on Feb. 24, 2026.
- Fowler had been released under a Jan. 17, 2025 commutation by President Joe Biden that was executed via autopen.
- The Fox report describes Fowler as a "career criminal" and notes his renewed custody follows that autopen-processed commutation.
- Conservatives argue the autopen commutation was misused to free violent offenders, a point highlighted by the coverage of Fowler’s case.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
February 24, 2026
1:19 AM
Career criminal Oscar Fowler back in custody on state charges after Biden freed him
New information:
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Oscar Freemond Fowler III has been taken back into custody to face state charges.
- Uthmeier said the arrest occurred 'moments ago' in a Monday X post and credited St. Petersburg Police Department and ATF Tampa.
- Fox notes this renewed custody follows Fowler’s release under a Jan. 17, 2025 Biden commutation executed via autopen that conservatives argue was misused for violent offenders.
February 20, 2026