Oscar Freemond Fowler III, who previously received federal clemency from former President Joe Biden's administration, has been re-arrested in Florida to face state-level charges.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on social media X on Monday evening that Fowler had been apprehended and is now in law enforcement custody. He stated that the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Tampa area Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated on the arrest.
Previously Served Over 12 Years Federally
Fowler had previously received a 12-and-a-half-year federal sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in 2024.
Federal prosecutors had requested a minimum sentence of 150 months in prison, citing a lengthy criminal history and a danger to public safety.
On January 17, 2025, he was among a group of over 2,500 inmates whose sentences were commuted by executive clemency in the final days of former President Biden's term. The clemency order shortened his sentence but did not expunge his criminal record. Following this decision, Fowler was released from federal prison.
Controversial Legal History
Court records indicate Fowler's criminal history spans over a decade. He was previously prosecuted in connection with the 2013 fatal shooting of Naykee Bostic in St. Petersburg. However, he was acquitted in 2017 after two mistrials.
A 2024 sentencing memorandum cited in media reports stated that Fowler had previously admitted on camera to causing Bostic's death, who was shot 25 times, and expressed a willingness to resort to violence again. This content has not been reconfirmed in the latest records.
New Charges Not Yet Released
Florida officials have not yet released details of the state-level charges that led to Fowler's re-arrest. The St. Petersburg Police Department and the Florida Attorney General's office have not responded to requests for additional information.
The incident continues to be monitored as authorities complete the relevant legal proceedings.
