Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit, saying she has neglected her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction.

The Governor has appointed former judge Andrew Bain to serve as State Attorney for the duration of the suspension. The Governor has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution, according to the Governor’s news release.

“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.” 
In the governor’s executive order he explained his decision to suspend Worrell by saying, “Worrell has authorized or allowed practices or policies that have systematically permitted .violent offenders, drug traffickers, serious-juvenile offenders, and pedophiles to evade incarceration, when otherwise warranted under Florida law. These practices or policies include non-filing or dropping meritorious charges or declining to allege otherwise provable facts to avoid triggering applicable lengthy sentences, minimum mandatory sentences, or other sentencing enhancements, especially for offenders under the age of 25, except in the most extreme cases. Worrell’s practices or policies contravene the policies of the Florida Legislature as expressed in statute and undermine the safety, security, and welfare of the communities that Worrell has been elected to serve.”

To view the entire Executive Order suspending Monique Worrell and appointing Andrew Bain, click here.
“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 9thJudicial Circuit. He previously served as Assistant State Attorney in the 9thCircuit under State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton. He received his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.