Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended Democrat State Attorney Monique Worrell.
Worrell, of the 9th Judicial Circuit, was suspended for “neglecting her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction.”
Worrell’s practices and policies have too often allowed violent criminals to escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct, thereby endangering the innocent civilians of Orange and Osceola counties.
Gov. DeSantis said he has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution.
DeSantis appointed former judge Andrew Bain to serve as State Attorney for the duration of the suspension.
“It is my duty as Governor to ensure that the laws enacted by our duly elected Legislature are followed,” said 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.”
“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 Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“Ms. Worrell abdicated her responsibility as the circuit’s top prosecutor and her actions undermine the safety and security of our state and Floridians.”
#BREAKING: Gov. Ron DeSantis suspends Democratic State Attorney Monique Worrell, effective immediately, citing lack of mandatory minimum sentencings for various crimes, neglect of duty, and abusing discretion pic.twitter.com/O0Pe1UbTVH
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) August 9, 2023
“If we are mourning anything … it is the loss of democracy. I am your duly elected state attorney … and nothing done by a weak dictator can change that. This is an outrage.”
— State Attorney Monique Worrell (D) reacts to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) suspending her from office pic.twitter.com/lUbNx7FX2Q
— The Recount (@therecount) August 9, 2023
DeSantis’s aide Will Chamberlain listed some examples of her policies or practices in action.
“Daton Viel was arrested in March 2023 for sexual battery on a minor, as well as Lewd and Lascivious Molestation,” Chamberlain revealed.
“That arrest was made while Viel was on probation for another offense.
“Viel was still let out on bond.
“This past weekend, Viel shot two Orlando Police Officers.
“In October 2022, a minor was arrested on first-degree murder charges with a firearm.
“The shooting was captured on video.
“One month later, Worrell’s office filed a petition to reduce the charge from *murder* to firearm possession.
“The minor was placed on probation.”
