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In March of 2017, subsequent to the arrest and termination of John Toppa, our office called for an independent investigation into his conduct while employed as an assistant state attorney. We also requested Governor Rick Scott assign another State Attorney to the prosecution of Toppa for any identified criminal offenses.

We appreciate the extensive effort made by the FDLE in completing their investigation leading up to yesterday’s arrest of Mr. Toppa for Bribery and Unlawful Compensation. We are both saddened and disappointed by these developments, but understand the importance of accountability by all public officials.

In a statement State Attorney Phil Archer said “Public servants are sworn to uphold the rule of law and have a responsibility to perform their duties with honesty and integrity. By taking the oath of office, assistant state attorneys are trusted to faithfully represent the values of this office. When that trust is violated there must be an immediate and transparent effort to fully identify the wrong doing, hold those responsible to account, and restore the trust and confidence of the public,”

Questions about this arrest or the surrounding investigation of Mr. Toppa should be directed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the office of State Attorney R.J. Larizza, 7th Judicial Circuit.