DeSantis suspends Orlando state attorney over 'dereliction of duty' on crime
WATCH LIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis makes major announcement
Florida governor delivers statement from Tallahassee.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell for "dereliction of duty" on crime via an executive order on Wednesday.
DeSantis' office says that Worrell has routinely allowed murderers and other violent offenders to "escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct." The governor is tapping Florida judge Andrew Bain to replace Worrell as the state attorney for the 9th judicial circuit.
"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," DeSantis' office wrote in a statement.
"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," it continued.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Titusville, Florida, May 1, 2023. At right, State Attorney Monique H. Worrell holds a press conference, on March 9, 2023. (SOPA Images/Contributor/Getty Images | Orlando Sentinel/Contributor/Getty Images)
This is the second time DeSantis has taken drastic action against a Florida prosecutor who he says failed to do their jobs.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.