Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit for neglecting her duty to faithfully prosecute criminals. Worrell most recently washed her hands when asked why the suspect who shot two Orlando-area officers was out on bond inspite of a lengthy criminal history. In that case, suspect Daton Viel was on probation for several crimes and awaiting trial for rape. He was killed Saturday during a shootout with a police SWAT team.
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.
The Executive Order suspending Monique Worrell and appointing Andrew Bain is HERE
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Ms. Worrell abdicated her responsibility as the circuit’s top prosecutor and her actions undermine the safety and security of our state and Floridians.” Moody added that Worrell is dismissing nearly double the number of cases dismissed in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.