The top attorney for the Florida Department of Health left his post within days of sending a letter to television stations on behalf of the state agency that threatened to criminally prosecute them if they did not take down a political advertisement in support of an abortion ballot initiative.

John Wilson, general counsel for the state agency since 2022, sent a letter to TV stations on Oct. 4 telling them to take down political advertisements run by a political committee that supports the ballot initiative, known as Amendment 4. The letter drew criticism from the Federal Communications Commission chairwoman, who called the letter “dangerous” and a likely violation of the First Amendment.

The reason for Wilson’s departure is unclear, but an automatic message from his work email says he “is no longer with the Department of Health.” His yearly salary was nearly $156,000, records show.

Efforts to reach Wilson Saturday by phone and in person were unsuccessful.

The Department of Health and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office did not respond to a request seeking comment on Wilson’s departure.