TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit for neglecting her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction.
“It is my duty as governor to ensure that the laws enacted by our duly elected Legislature are followed,” said Governor DeSantis. “The people of Central Florida deserve to have a state attorney who will seek justice in accordance with the law instead of allowing violent criminals to roam the streets and find new victims.”
According to the governor, Worrell’s policies allowed violent criminals to escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct – endangering innocent civilians in Orange and Osceola counties.
SOROS-BACKED PROSECUTOR
In March, the Soros-backed prosecutor came under the governor’s crosshairs after a deadly rampage killed three people and injured two. The gunman, 19-year-old Keith Moses, had an extensive criminal history that included attempted first-degree murder, assault, aggravated battery and grand theft. Despite this rap sheet, Moses was free and able to wreak deadly havoc on Floridians.
DeSantis launched an investigation in March and informed Worrell that the failure of her office to hold Moses accountable for his actions – despite his criminal history and gang affiliation – was an enabling factor behind the deadly shooting.
In April, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) released an analysis of statewide and judicial circuit-specific data related to juvenile case processing times. Worrell’s office took an average of 212 days to process cases involving young criminals, preventing access to necessary behavioral treatments and services.
“We are fortunate to have a governor committed to the rule of law and holding officials – especially those elected to protect the public – accountable for not doing the jobs they swore an oath to do,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“Ms. Worrell abdicated her responsibility as the circuit’s top prosecutor and her actions undermined the safety and security of our state and Floridians,” Moody added.
“DUTY TO PROSECUTE CRIMES”
“State attorneys have a duty to prosecute crimes as defined in Florida law, not to pick and choose which laws to enforce based on his [or her] personal agenda,” said Governor Ron DeSantis last August when he suspended former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren. “It is my duty to hold Florida’s elected officials to the highest standards for the people of Florida.
DeSantis issued an executive order under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution to suspend Worrell.
DeSantis has appointed former Judge Andrew Bain to replace Worrell. Judge Bain has most recently served as an Orange County judge in the 9th Judicial Circuit. He previously served as assistant state attorney in the 9th Circuit under State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton.
