Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday morning announced the suspension of Orlando State Attorney Monique Worrell for dereliction of duty. The Governor issued an executive order to remove the Soros-backed prosecutor from her post immediately. At a press conference, DeSantis cited Worrell’s refusal to enforce Florida laws, which he called an “abuse” of her discretion as a state attorney.
“The state of Florida is a law and order state, and that means we support the men and women who wear the uniform who protect and serve. It means we have strong policies to hold criminals accountable for their misconduct. Prosecutors have a duty to faithfully enforce the law,” DeSantis said.
“One’s political agenda cannot trump this solemn duty, refusing to faithfully enforce the laws of Florida puts our communities in danger and victimizes innocent Floridians. Accordingly, I am today announcing the suspension of State Attorney Monique Morrell from the Ninth Judicial Circuit, effective immediately. I’m appointing Judge Andrew Bain to take over as state attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.” ~ Gov. Ron DeSantis
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Governor DeSantis Makes a Major Announcement in Tallahassee https://t.co/I21nmPOvHA
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 9, 2023
The executive order issued by the Governor accuses Worrell of “neglect of duty” and “incompetence” in her role as a State Attorney.
Her track record as a prosecutor includes routinely avoiding the mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes and drug trafficking offenses and limiting charges in child pornography cases. Worrell’s district has the state’s lowest per capita prison admission rate by a sizable margin. Of 130 firearms cases referred to Worrell’s office between 2o21 and 2022, only five received the mandatory minimum sentencing.
“The practices and policies of her office have allowed murderers, other violent offenders, and dangerous drug traffickers to receive extremely reduced sentences and escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct. In some cases, these offenders have evaded incarceration altogether,” DeSantis said in a statement.
In one case, Worrell allowed a man to go free who was accused of carjacking with a deadly weapon. The man later attempted to rape an 18-year-old at a hotel in Orlando.
DeSantis also referenced the case of Daton Viel, who shot two Orlando officers while out on bail for child rape charges.
Worrell was first elected State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in 2020, with the help of multiple progressive activist groups backed by billionaire progressive donor George Soros.
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I am appointing Judge Andrew Bain to step in and take over the duties of the State Attorney’s Office in the 9th Circuit.
The people of Central Florida deserve a State Attorney that will prosecute criminals and keep our communities safe.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 9, 2023
DeSantis also announced that he would appoint Judge Andrew Bain to replace Worrell.
The executive order marks the second time the Governor has taken drastic measures to remove a Florida state attorney from office. Last year, he suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren of Hillsborough County for refusing to enforce the state’s abortion restrictions. After being challenged in court, a judge upheld the suspension in January.
“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,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said in a statement.
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