State Attorney Amira Fox is pleased to announce that Assistant State Attorney Evan Chaput has been named the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) “Prosecutor of the Year.”
ASA Chaput was presented the 2026 FWC Division of Law Enforcement Exceptional Performance Prosecutor of the Year Award on May 7th, in Moore Haven. He thought he was attending a meeting and was surprised with the award announcement and presentation. He was selected by FWC South Region Alpha investigators and officers. ASA Chaput works with FWC closely as he prepares cases and files charges. The award acknowledges his “dedication and commitment to FWC Officers, that have resulted in high quality cases with a high conviction rate.” ASA Chaput prosecutes cases that enforce FWC’s role, to manage, protect, and regulate Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.
ASA Chaput has prosecuted numerous cases following FWC investigations. In 2025, he had a successful conviction of a defendant for illegally killing, possessing, and capturing an alligator in Glades County. ASA Chaput has also prosecuted cases involving tigers not being properly cared for in Glades County, which violated the general regulations governing possession of captive wildlife.
“FWC are always willing to go the extra mile for what I need for their cases. There are great lines of communication. They have a great partnership with our office. It is nice to be recognized with this award. We do not do this work for recognition though; we do it to make sure people are held accountable. We follow the law and make sure people are treated fairly and equally,” said ASA Chaput.
“Evan’s passion shows through on every case he prosecutes. He puts dedicated focus and skilled legal work into each case he handles. He is personable and cares, and that is demonstrated by the trust witnesses show in him as well as fellow law enforcement. He communicates regularly with law enforcement agency partners like FWC, and that creates a trusting and solid team as they work cases together, and the results show in his court convictions,” said State Attorney Fox.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director