Governor DeSantis Suspends State Attorney for Incompetence and Neglect of Duty

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, 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. Officials say, 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. 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 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.