Assistant State Attorney Kipp Vugteveen honored as FWC 2022 Prosecutor of the Year

Media contact: Robert Klepper, Robert.Klepper@MyFWC.com, 850-617-9591 Release Date: 07-13-2022 All Articles Tags:

Law Enforcement Commission

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Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) honored Assistant State Attorney Kipp Vugteveen with the agency’s Prosecutor of the Year Award during the Commission meeting in Jacksonville.

ASA Vugteveen represents the 18th Judicial Circuit comprising Brevard and Seminole counties. Over the years, he has taken an interest in the unique cases FWC officers bring to his office for prosecution. Because of his understanding of resource violations, he has become the primary intake attorney for all FWC cases in these counties.

ASA Vugteveen has participated in several ride-a-longs with FWC officers where he observed violations as they occurred in real time. He works with our officers to identify repeat offenders and recommends enhanced penalties allowed by Florida Statute. He also developed a system within his office to ensure FWC's cases are handled with the appropriate level of care and attention.

“I have immense respect and admiration for the men and women of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. Thanks to their willingness to familiarize me with conservation enforcement issues and contagious enthusiasm, I’ve been honored to work with them to protect our state’s natural resources and increase public safety on Florida waterways,” said Assistant State Attorney Kipp Vugteveen.

ASA Vugteveen works closely with FWC investigators to ensure search warrants and investigative methods are successful. His guidance and partnership with the FWC spans many years. His open-door policy and regular meetings with officers are a significant benefit to the division when questions arise on a case or filing decision.

“ASA Vugteveen provides excellent prosecutorial insight when reviewing resource-related cases. The FWC is fortunate to have a prosecutor like him working alongside officers to help protect Florida’s natural resources,” said Col. Roger Young, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement.