ORLANDO, Fla. – Monique Worrell says she will move forward with purpose and clarity after reclaiming her position as Orange-Osceola County state attorney.
Nearly a year-and-a-half after being suspended by Gov. DeSantis, Worrell took the oath of office Tuesday outside the state attorney’s office. She was reelected with 57% of the vote in November.
“Today is about more than reclaiming a position,” Worrell said. “It is about reclaiming our democracy.”
[RELATED: Read News 6’s coverage of Monique Worrell’s suspension and reelection]
Worrell was suspended in August 2023 on accusations of neglect and incompetence.
An executive order from the governor said Worrell held policies that allowed violent offenders to evade incarceration, but she said that was a false narrative.
“The political attacks against me were relentless and vicious,” Worrell said. “Justice is not simply about punishment, but about prevention, rehabilitation, and creating opportunity for positive change.”
Worrell said she plans to bring back some of her previous initiatives, including a juvenile diversion program and a violent crime task force.
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“This is about all of us working together and my administration will be proactive about building connections that improve public safety and benefit our community.”
Worrell also said she plans to keep any current programs that are working.
During the next few weeks, Worrell said she will evaluate the current state of the State Attorney’s Office and make any necessary, data-driven changes.
“Together, we will seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly in service to this community,” Worrell said.
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