Florida 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. Worrell, a Democrat, represents Orange County and Osceola County, and the Governor has now replaced her with a former judge.
According to the Governor, 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. That is why she has been suspended from office and replaced by a former judge. Crime in greater Orlando, and throughout Orange and Osceola counties, continues to be a problem under Democratic elected officials who play the same politics as Worrell.
Governor DeSantis was not short on details in his 40-page Executive Order.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody agreed with the action and said the state is fortunate to have a Governor who will hold officials accountable.
The Governor has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution. The Governor has 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 Republican Governor Ron 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 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.”
Andrew Bain has most recently served as an Orange County judge in the 9th Judicial Circuit, and he will likely not continue the practice of sweetheart deals for local criminals. He previously served as Assistant State Attorney in the 9th Circuit under State Attorney Jeffrey Ashton. He received his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.
UPDATE: Florida Democrats respond to the Republican Governor’s suspension of the State Attorney
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