Florida Sheriffs Association supports DeSantis suspending Soros-backed state attorney in court

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Sheriffs Association provided a brief in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ suspension of former State Attorney Monique Worrell.

The governor removed Worrell as the state attorney for the ninth Judicial Circuit, comprising Orange and Osceola Counties, in August.

“Worrell’s abuse of prosecutorial authority, as outlined in Executive Order No. 23-160 raises particular concerns for the sheriffs in light of the public safety issues implicated by these proceedings,” the association said.

“As articulated in the Executive Order, Worrell systematically circumvented minimum mandatory sentences for firearms, offenses and drug trafficking as well as sentencing enhancements for prison release reoffenders and habitual violent offenders, declined to direct file on serious juvenile offenders, limited charges for possession of child pornography, and withheld adjudication in cases involving recidivist felons,” they added.

Worrell immediately challenged the governor’s decision and sought legal action in protest of her removal.

“This is an outrage […] There used to be a very high standard for the removal of elected officials,” Worrell commented after her suspension, referring to DeSantis as a “dictator.”

“Three years ago, I was elected by the people of the ninth Judicial Circuit to to lead this circuit,” she said. “And yes, to do things unconventionally. To do things differently.”

The association explained that historically, state attorneys and sheriffs generally are not at odds with each other.

“When these cases involve hardened criminals who prey upon the public, the Sheriffs justifiably expect the state attorney to vigorously prosecute these cases and seek punishment that fits the crime,” they said. “Sadly, this did not happen here. Worrell consistently ignored legislative mandates by pursuing her personal agenda.”

The association said the governor was “justified” in the suspension of Worrell as a result of her “neglect of duty and incompetence.”

“Worrell cannot hide behind prosecutorial discretion to justify her actions and escape the consequences of her decisions,” they added.

Conservative-leaning legal group America First Legal Foundation also filed a brief in support of DeSantis’ actions.

DeSantis appointed Judge Andrew Bain to take Worrell’s place after her suspension.

”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,” DeSantis said during a press briefing on Worrell’s suspension.

Worrell was also attacked by the governor and fellow Republicans for having ties with liberal billionaire George Soros during her initial election efforts in Florida.

“​​We are here to prosecute crimes and to hold people accountable,” Bain said. “My plan is to bring back that simple understanding.”