Tampa-based U.S. attorney resigns
February 27, 2021 - After 32 years in government service, 21 of which were spent with the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez is resigning from her post at the Tampa-based Middle District of Florida, effective today. Lopez’s distinguished career also includes service in the U.S. Army, where she obtained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Prior to her appointment as U.S. attorney, Lopez served as the Department of Justice’s deputy attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, where she worked to disrupt cross-border crime. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri praised Lopez for cultivating a “productive and strong working relationship" with his agency. “Her reputation is one of being committed to her work and has shown through her accomplishments during her appointment,” he stated in a news release. “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.” Karin Hoppmann will succeed Lopez in an acting capacity until an interim U.S. attorney is appointed or President Joe Biden formally nominates a permanent replacement.