Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken decisive action, suspending Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell for what he describes as a “dereliction of duty” in handling crime.
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Fox News reported that DeSantis charged Worrel with “repeatedly allowing violent offenders to escape the full consequences of their conduct.”
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The Governor’s Office pointed to the following specific concerns:
- allowing individuals accused of violent crimes, including murderers, to bypass suitable consequences
- evading the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences
- permitting juvenile offenders to sidestep grave charges.=
Additionally, the office voiced concerns over Worrell’s approach to charging those accused of child pornography offenses.
DeSantis’ office commented: “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.”
The statement added: “State Attorney Worrell’s practices undermine Florida law and endanger the safety, security, and welfare of the communities that Ms. Worrell was elected to serve.”
Politico reported The governor’s office had previously raised questions regarding how Worrell’s office had handled charging a 19-year-old man for allegedly killing three people in Orlando, including a television reporter.
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GCapital posted on X (formally known as Twitter) that Worrell received at least $1.5 million in financial support from a group with ties to billionaire George Soros.
DeSantis’ assertive move is a pushback against liberal policies that have prompted runaway crime and the exodus of many businesses in Blue cities such as Chicago and San Francisco. Further, the move aligns with the Governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the state.
WSVN reported that Governor DeSantis previously suspended another prosecutor, Hillsborough County state attorney Andrew Warren in August 2022 for refusing to enforce the state’s abortion ban.
Warren challenged the suspension but lost the grievance case in federal court.
DeSantis has tapped Judge Andrew Bain to assume responsibilities previously held by Worrell.
Speaking at a Tallahassee news conference, DeSantis highlighted his obligation to uphold legislated laws and reiterated the crucial need for justice officials to maintain the public’s trust.
Worrell has responded to the suspension by calling DeSantis a “weak dictator” and casting herself as a victim caught up in the “loss of democracy.”
