Outspoken Prosecutor Accuses Governor DeSantis of Unjustly Removing Her from Office, Citing Threat to Democracy

Monique Worrell Suspended from Office by Governor Ron DeSantis

Monique Worrell, the state attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Florida, has been suspended from office by Governor Ron DeSantis. The governor accused her of dereliction of duty and incompetence, claiming that she has been lenient in sentencing violent offenders and drug traffickers. Worrell, who had the support of a group connected to Democratic billionaire George Soros, expressed her frustration at the decision.

Executive Order Outlines Alleged Violations

An executive order has been issued that has led to the suspension of a prosecutor. The order outlines several policies and practices that the prosecutor was allegedly not following. These include avoiding minimum mandatory sentences for gun crimes and drug trafficking offenses, allowing juvenile offenders to avoid serious charges and incarceration, avoiding valid sentencing enhancements, limiting charges for child pornography, and seeking withhold of adjudication in situations not permitted under Florida law.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Criticizes Governor

In a press conference, suspended Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner, Nikki Fried, criticized Governor Ron DeSantis, calling him a "dictator" who has destroyed democracy in the state. Fried acknowledged that her legal team is prepared to challenge her suspension, but expressed doubt in the success of their efforts due to the perceived bias of the courts and legislature in favor of the governor.

Broward County Sheriff's Office Fires Top Officials

The article reports that the Broward County Sheriff's Office has fired three top officials, including the sheriff, Gregory Tony. The sheriff's removal came after Governor Ron DeSantis suspended him from office. One of the fired officials, Undersheriff Sean Zukowsky, expressed disappointment at the decision and criticized the governor for suspending them just a day before the start of the school year. Another official, Colonel Nichole Anderson, accused law enforcement of providing information to the governor to facilitate their removal, claiming that they wanted her out because she held them accountable.

Suspension of Florida Law Enforcement Official

The article discusses the suspension of a Florida law enforcement official, Sheriff Carmine Worrell, and the subsequent firing of her deputy chief. Worrell claims to have uncovered only a small portion of misconduct within law enforcement, which led to her suspension. The article also mentions that Governor Ron DeSantis' office provided several instances of the negative outcomes resulting from Worrell's policies or practices. However, specific examples are not provided in the summary.

Controversy Surrounding Daton Viel's Case

Over the weekend, a major controversy involving a man named Daton Viel unfolded. Viel had been arrested in March 2023 on charges of sexual battery on a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation. It was discovered that Viel was on probation for another offense at the time of his arrest, with the probation starting in February 2023. Despite these serious charges, Viel was released on bond. Shockingly, Viel went on to shoot two Orlando Police Officers after his release. This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the handling of Viel's case.

Lorenzo Larry's Case Raises Concerns

In November 2022, a 17-year-old named Lorenzo Larry fatally shot his pregnant girlfriend, De’Shayla Ferguson. Prior to this incident, Larry had been arrested in May 2022 on multiple charges, including carrying a concealed firearm, possessing a firearm on school property, and criminal possession of a firearm as a minor. However, he was released after these arrests, and no action was taken by Worrell's office, the authority responsible for these charges, until after Larry committed the murder.

Keith Moses' Troubled Past

In a tragic incident in February 2023, a 19-year-old named Keith Moses was responsible for the shooting deaths of a cameraman and a 9-year-old girl. This shocking event has brought attention to Moses' troubled past, which includes multiple arrests as a juvenile for serious offenses such as aggravated battery, assault, and grand theft. It has been revealed that as recently as November 2021, Moses was arrested for drug possession, although no charges were ultimately filed against him. The incident has raised questions about the handling of Moses' previous arrests and the potential for preventing such a devastating outcome.

Downgraded Charge in Murder Case

In October 2022, a minor was arrested for first-degree murder with a firearm, and the incident was recorded on video. However, a month later, the prosecutor's office filed a petition to reduce the charge to firearm possession, which is a lesser offense. As a result, the minor was placed on probation instead of facing the original murder charge.