Monique Worrell Suspended: Her Name Removed from State Attorney's Website

Monique Worrell has been replaced as State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Florida after being suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis.

In a surprising turn of events, Monique Worrell's name and biography have been removed from the Ninth Judicial Circuit website. In her place, the name of appointed State Attorney Andrew Bain now appears. This change occurred shortly after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Worrell's suspension.

Not only was Worrell's name replaced, but Bain's name now adorns the circuit's insignia on the website's homepage and logo. The website's description has also been updated to reflect this change, stating that the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is now represented by The Honorable Andrew A. Bain. This office serves Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida, which are known for their cultural diversity and as popular vacation destinations. The new description emphasizes the commitment to making Orlando and the surrounding area a vibrant and safe place to live, work, and play.

Earlier in the day, Worrell held a press conference where she strongly criticized Governor DeSantis for her suspension. She went as far as calling him a "weak dictator" and alleging that her removal was politically motivated. Worrell expressed her frustration, stating that her position as the duly elected state attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit cannot be changed by the actions of a single individual. She deemed the situation an outrage.

Despite her suspension, Worrell made it clear that she plans to continue her bid for reelection as state attorney in 2024. She also stated that her legal team is fully prepared to fight her suspension in court.

In response to the controversy, Governor DeSantis defended his decision during a press conference. He criticized Worrell's administration, claiming that it has been "clearly and fundamentally derelict." DeSantis further explained that Worrell has a history of avoiding minimum mandatory sentences for drug trafficking offenses, allowing juveniles to escape serious charges and jail time, and avoiding sentence enhancements. He firmly believes that his decision is not only in line with the constitution and laws of Florida but also necessary to protect the public from this perceived dereliction of duty.

During the same press conference, Andrew Bain addressed reporters and shared his goals and plans as the new state attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. He emphasized his commitment to restoring order and rebuilding faith in the law. Bain aims to regain the public's trust and strengthen relationships with fellow justice partners in law enforcement. Additionally, he plans to establish lasting connections with local service agencies and nonprofits that are dedicated to serving the community.

Overall, these recent developments have caused a significant upheaval in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. With the removal of Monique Worrell and the appointment of Andrew Bain, the future of the state attorney's office remains uncertain. The coming months and years will undoubtedly shed more light on the impact of these changes and how they will shape the justice system in Orange and Osceola counties.