A former US lawyer for the Central District of Florida has been removed from his position by the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
Today, DOJ issued an official statement announcing that Roger B. Handberg has been replaced by Sarah C. Sweeney, the first US lawyer representing the Central District of Florida. .
In December 2021, Handberg was appointed by order of former Attorney General Merrick Garland and reappointed to the U.S. District Court Supreme Court Judge in April 2022. He was confirmed by the US Senate in December 2022.
According to the DOJ, Handberg’s office has increased the number of criminal cases by more than 60% over the past three fiscal years. This includes an increase in each of the five offices.
Ocala 124% Orlando 90% increase Jacksonville 87% increase Fort Myers 51% increase Tampa 35% increase
These increases are being made in all kinds of prosecutions.
Violent crimes 77% increase Child exploitation 70% immigration 69% increase White collar 53% increase Drug trafficking 33% increase
“In my three or more years as a retired state lawyer, I have been involved with the community and prioritizing my office learning their priorities and what is important to them, and hearing directly from people to let them know. It’s made it matters. About the great work done by law enforcement,” said Handberg. “As part of these efforts, I have given over 100 speeches and presentations at local organizations, bar associations, chambers of commerce and other meetings and press conferences. From many conversations with me, I have sought to focus the efforts of US law firms on the most urgent concerns.”
Over the past three fiscal years, the U.S. Lawyers’ Office has indicted more than 750 defendants with firearm violations, of which more than 300 defendants were charged in 2024. This is the largest number of firearm violations ever charged by a US law firm in a year. Below are some of the important violent crime and firearms cases that were indicted during the tenure of US lawyer Handberg.
Armed with four years of drug handling crime and double murder in which more than 50 defendants were charged as part of the Polk County Violent Crime Task Force, which was established after the shootings of three Lakelands. Seven defendants indicted for contract murder of a 17-year-old Hernando County High School student to prevent testimony in the courts of seven defendants who have been charged with robbery.
“As someone born and raised in this district, you can think of it as no higher honor than having the opportunity to first get the opportunity to be a federal prosecutor and a US lawyer,” Attorney Handberg said. Ta. . “For over 20 years in my office, I have worked with incredible civil servants at the U.S. Lawyer’s office, and excellent local, state and federal law enforcement serving this district and our country. Through our work with partners, we have prosecuted and filed cases that have helped us to protect our citizens, reduce crime and do justice in order to do justice for our victims and our communities. Holding people who violate the law accountable. With colleagues at the U.S. Lawyer’s office, their dedication and commitment, and they go every day to ensure the safety of the Central District of Florida and the United States. I’m grateful for everything I’m in. It’s a privilege to be a federal prosecutor in my hometown and work alongside my law enforcement partner for the past 22 years.”
