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Orange-Osceola state attorney tells staff he won’t help Monique Worrell with transition, but her term will begin Jan. 7
Read full article: Orange-Osceola state attorney tells staff he won’t help Monique Worrell with transition, but her term will begin Jan. 7Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain is not helping once and future chief prosecutor Monique Worrell transition to her new administration, but after a memo he sent to staff was made public, he now makes clear that she will take over the office on Jan. 7.
‘The people stood up:’ Reflecting on victory, Monique Worrell plans for a complex transition
Read full article: ‘The people stood up:’ Reflecting on victory, Monique Worrell plans for a complex transitionOn Election Day, Monique Worrell found herself immersed in a familiar routine: greeting voters, waving signs, and driving to polling stations.
Federal judge rejects voter lawsuit over prosecutor Monique Worrell’s suspension
Read full article: Federal judge rejects voter lawsuit over prosecutor Monique Worrell’s suspensionThree days after Monique Worrell won back her job at the ballot box, a federal judge rejected a lawsuit over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ controversial 2023 decision to suspend her as state attorney in Orange and Osceola counties.
Monique Worrell wins job back, defeats Andrew Bain for Ninth Circuit State Attorney
Read full article: Monique Worrell wins job back, defeats Andrew Bain for Ninth Circuit State AttorneyAfter being suspended last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis on accusations of “neglect” and “incompetence,” former Ninth Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell won her job back after defeating incumbent Andrew Bain.
Meet the candidates for Florida Ninth Circuit state attorney in the November election
Read full article: Meet the candidates for Florida Ninth Circuit state attorney in the November electionAfter being suspended last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis on accusations of “neglect” and “incompetence,” former Ninth Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell is now fighting to take back her old position from incumbent Andrew Bain.
Lawsuit alleges fraud, corruption in Orange-Osceola State Attorney race
Read full article: Lawsuit alleges fraud, corruption in Orange-Osceola State Attorney raceCurrent Ninth Judicial Court State Attorney Andrew Bain firmly denies that he is part of any scheme involving Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding the race he’s in with the former state attorney that he replaced, Democrat Monique Worrell.
Bain vs. Worrell for Orange-Osceola state attorney race as GOP candidate drops out
Read full article: Bain vs. Worrell for Orange-Osceola state attorney race as GOP candidate drops outSeth Hyman, the Orlando attorney who won the August Republican primary in the Ninth Judicial Circuit state attorney race, is dropping out, which means the November election will solely be between current State Attorney Andrew Bain and suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell.
6 Orlando police officers who killed cop-shooting suspect cleared of wrongdoing
Read full article: 6 Orlando police officers who killed cop-shooting suspect cleared of wrongdoingA grand jury has cleared six Orlando police officers of any criminal wrongdoing in the 2023 death of a man accused of several crimes, including shooting two other Orlando officers.
Orange-Osceola state attorney sued by former chief of staff who was fired during maternity leave
Read full article: Orange-Osceola state attorney sued by former chief of staff who was fired during maternity leaveA lawsuit accuses Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain of violating the Family and Medical Leave Act by firing the office's chief of staff while she was on maternity leave.
Florida Supreme Court sides with DeSantis in Monique Worrell suspension
Read full article: Florida Supreme Court sides with DeSantis in Monique Worrell suspensionThe Florida Supreme Court Thursday upheld the suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, ruling that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ suspension of Worrell was reasonable based on his allegations.
Bain vs. Worrell vs. GOP challenger for Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: Bain vs. Worrell vs. GOP challenger for Orange-Osceola state attorneyThe race for state attorney of Orange and Osceola counties will feature a suspended state attorney, Gov. DeSantis’ appointee, and whoever wins the Republican primary for the seat in August.
Suspended State Attorney Worrell launches re-election campaign as she awaits Supreme Court ruling
Read full article: Suspended State Attorney Worrell launches re-election campaign as she awaits Supreme Court rulingDuring his State of the State address last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis commended himself for removing prosecutors from office, Andrew Warren in Hillsborough County and Monique Worrell in Orange and Osceola counties. Worrell is still waiting on the Supreme Court's ruling to see if her suspension by the governor will be overturned, all while kicking off a re-election campaign, this week.
New state attorney withdraws request to test evidence in Tommy Zeigler death penalty case
Read full article: New state attorney withdraws request to test evidence in Tommy Zeigler death penalty caseNine months after former Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell asked a judge for permission to test fingerprint evidence in a 1975 quadruple murder that landed Tommy Zeigler on Florida’s Death Row, Worrell’s successor as state attorney has withdrawn the request.
Suspended Florida prosecutor tells state Supreme Court that DeSantis exceeded his authority
Read full article: Suspended Florida prosecutor tells state Supreme Court that DeSantis exceeded his authorityA lawyer for a suspended Florida prosecutor told the state Supreme Court that Gov. Ron DeSantis exceeded his authority when he removed a Democratic state attorney from her elected office.
Florida Supreme Court hears arguments in Worrell v. DeSantis lawsuit over ouster
Read full article: Florida Supreme Court hears arguments in Worrell v. DeSantis lawsuit over ousterThe Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in former Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell’s lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis over her ouster.
Former state attorney Monique Worrell looks forward to court arguments in case to get job back
Read full article: Former state attorney Monique Worrell looks forward to court arguments in case to get job backFormer Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell said Wednesday that democracy in Florida is being boiled alive under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis fires back on prosecutor Monique Worrell suspension
Read full article: DeSantis fires back on prosecutor Monique Worrell suspensionGov. Ron DeSantis late Tuesday urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject a challenge to his suspension of Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell, saying the case “presents a political question.”
Amid lawsuit, sheriffs back DeSantis in Monique Worrell’s ouster
Read full article: Amid lawsuit, sheriffs back DeSantis in Monique Worrell’s ousterThe Florida Sheriffs Association on Monday sought permission from the state Supreme Court to file a brief backing Gov. Ron DeSantis in a lawsuit about the suspension of Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell.
Suspended prosecutor Monique Worrell backed by lawmakers, ex-justices
Read full article: Suspended prosecutor Monique Worrell backed by lawmakers, ex-justicesCurrent and former Democratic lawmakers and former Florida Supreme Court justices have signed onto legal briefs backing suspended Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell’s bid to get her job back.
‘Public needs to be protected:’ Orlando attorney responds to grand jury handling use of force cases
Read full article: ‘Public needs to be protected:’ Orlando attorney responds to grand jury handling use of force casesA month into the job, the governor-appointed Ninth Circuit state attorney announced a policy change regarding use of force cases.
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain discusses policy changes
Read full article: Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain discusses policy changesOrange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain, who Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis installed in the ouster of Monique Worrell, holds a news conference to announce updates and policy changes.
Suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell files complaint against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Read full article: Suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell files complaint against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantisMonique Worrell, the Orange-Osceola state attorney who was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month, is asking the Florida Supreme Court to declare DeSantis’ order invalid, calling the suspension an “arbitrary, unsubstantiated exercise of the suspension power.”
Former State Attorney Worrell’s chief of staff fired while on maternity leave
Read full article: Former State Attorney Worrell’s chief of staff fired while on maternity leaveOne day after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell, new leadership fired an employee who was out on maternity leave.
New State Attorney Bain lays out 100-day plan pledges to review dropped cases
Read full article: New State Attorney Bain lays out 100-day plan pledges to review dropped casesAndrew Bain, the new Orange-Osceola state attorney appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in the wake of Monique Worrell’s suspension, met with the area’s three major law enforcement leaders Thursday as he worked to establish his administration of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Could Monique Worrell be reinstated as Florida state attorney? Not likely, says political expert
Read full article: Could Monique Worrell be reinstated as Florida state attorney? Not likely, says political expertState Attorney Monique Worrell is far from the first elected official that Governor Ron Desantis, and previous governors, have removed from office.
Florida leaders react to suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell
Read full article: Florida leaders react to suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique WorrellFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell on Wednesday, citing a myriad of crimes that he said happened under her leadership.
Worrell disputes claim by DeSantis, Moody she was responsible for gunman’s release from jail
Read full article: Worrell disputes claim by DeSantis, Moody she was responsible for gunman’s release from jailThe shooting of two Orlando police officers was the most recent “major controversy” involving Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell that led to her suspension, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Here’s what we know about Andrew Bain, the judge replacing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Worrell
Read full article: Here’s what we know about Andrew Bain, the judge replacing Orange-Osceola State Attorney WorrellFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday the suspension and replacement of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell. Here's who Andrew Bain is.
Who is Monique Worrell, the Florida state attorney DeSantis suspended?
Read full article: Who is Monique Worrell, the Florida state attorney DeSantis suspended?Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Ninth Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell Wednesday, the culmination of months of back-and-forth between DeSantis and Worrell over her approach to the office of chief prosecutor.
‘Weak dictator:’ Monique Worrell calls out DeSantis after suspension, vows re-election bid
Read full article: ‘Weak dictator:’ Monique Worrell calls out DeSantis after suspension, vows re-election bidMonique Worrell held a news conference Wednesday morning outside of the Orange County Courthouse to address Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement of her suspension as Orange-Osceola State Attorney hours prior, saying it would not dissuade her from seeking re-election.
Gov. DeSantis announces suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis announces suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique WorrellFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday morning announced the suspension of Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, effective immediately.
New report shows Orange, Osceola counties dropped most cases against juveniles in Florida
Read full article: New report shows Orange, Osceola counties dropped most cases against juveniles in FloridaA new report from the state is raising questions about the prosecution of juveniles accused of serious crimes in Orange and Osceola counties.
Orange County prosecutor shares criminal history of man accused in attempted rape
Read full article: Orange County prosecutor shares criminal history of man accused in attempted rapeOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell discussed the arrest of a man accused of attempted rape at an Orange County hotel and his decadeslong criminal history at a news briefing Thursday.
Prosecutor seeks death penalty against Keith Moses in Pine Hills shootings
Read full article: Prosecutor seeks death penalty against Keith Moses in Pine Hills shootingsThe 19-year-old man accused of killing three people and injuring two in a string of shootings last February in the Pine Hills area will face the death penalty when he goes to trial.
‘Take back our streets:’ Orange-Osceola state attorney’s office holds gun violence prevention summit
Read full article: ‘Take back our streets:’ Orange-Osceola state attorney’s office holds gun violence prevention summitLaw enforcement and public officials came together Monday for an all-day summit aimed at addressing gun violence across Central Florida.
‘Finger pointing is getting us nowhere:’ Worrell hosts gun violence prevention summit
Read full article: ‘Finger pointing is getting us nowhere:’ Worrell hosts gun violence prevention summitOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell announced that she will be hosting a full-day gun violence prevention summit on Monday.
Monique Worrell accuses DeSantis of pursuing ‘witch hunt’ in records search
Read full article: Monique Worrell accuses DeSantis of pursuing ‘witch hunt’ in records searchOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell issued a statement accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis of pursuing a “witch hunt” after receiving a request from a state committeewoman for information on two human trafficking cases.
State Attorney Worrell seeks new fingerprint exams in Tommy Zeigler case
Read full article: State Attorney Worrell seeks new fingerprint exams in Tommy Zeigler caseOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell is seeking to examine decades-old fingerprint evidence in the case of Tommy Zeigler, a Winter Garden man who’s been on Florida’s Death Row since a judge sentenced him for the 1975 quadruple murder of his wife, in-laws, and a customer inside his family’s furniture store.
‘Facts matter:’ Monique Worrell provides update on Osceola County drug trafficking cases
Read full article: ‘Facts matter:’ Monique Worrell provides update on Osceola County drug trafficking casesOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell spoke about drug trafficking Monday after Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez called out the state for its lack of prosecution of these cases last week.
Amid public feud, Worrell, Mina debate youth violence solutions at Orlando lunch
Read full article: Amid public feud, Worrell, Mina debate youth violence solutions at Orlando lunchA discussion about violence among teenagers took place Monday amid a recent spate of gun violence, a string of deadly shootings in Pine Hills and an onoing public feud between two of Orange County’s top criminal justice officials.
Florida State Attorney Worrell defends prosecutions amid public criticisms
Read full article: Florida State Attorney Worrell defends prosecutions amid public criticismsFollowing a shooting rampage that left three people dead in Pine Hills in February, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez have spoken out against Worrell.
‘This is what’s poisoning us:’ Osceola sheriff gives update on drug trafficking arrests, deaths
Read full article: ‘This is what’s poisoning us:’ Osceola sheriff gives update on drug trafficking arrests, deathsOsceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez on Thursday provided an update on the number of drug overdoses and deaths within the community in 2022.
‘Build better cases:’ No evidence to convict teen arrested in fatal shooting outside Jones High School, Worrell says
Read full article: ‘Build better cases:’ No evidence to convict teen arrested in fatal shooting outside Jones High School, Worrell saysWitness gave disjointed testimony, couldn’t ID subject in photo lineup, state attorney says
Viewing held for 9-year-old victim of Pine Hills slayings
Read full article: Viewing held for 9-year-old victim of Pine Hills slayingsFinal goodbyes begin Friday for 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, the youngest victim of a deadly shooting spree last month in Pine Hills that took three lives and inflamed a war of words between the region’s state attorney and Florida’s governor.
‘It’s dangerous:’ Worrell accuses DeSantis of politicizing Pine Hills tragedy to get her suspended
Read full article: ‘It’s dangerous:’ Worrell accuses DeSantis of politicizing Pine Hills tragedy to get her suspendedOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell announced Thursday that she answered Gov. Ron DeSantis’ investigation into her office with the documents he requested, but not without once again defending her office against claims by DeSantis and other officials that she called “political fearmongering.”
Here are the charges to be filed against 19-year-old accused in deadly Pine Hills shootings
Read full article: Here are the charges to be filed against 19-year-old accused in deadly Pine Hills shootingsOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell announced the charges being filed against the 19-year-old man accused of killing three people — a 38-year-old woman, a 9-year-old girl and a Spectrum News 13 reporter — and wounding two others in Pine Hills.
War of words escalates as DeSantis demands records from Worrell in Pine Hills slayings
Read full article: War of words escalates as DeSantis demands records from Worrell in Pine Hills slayingsIn an escalation of rhetoric between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, the governor’s office on Tuesday demanded the criminal records of Keith Moses, the suspect in last week’s string of shootings in the Pine Hills area that resulted in three deaths.
Florida lawmaker files juvenile justice reform bill in the wake of Orlando shootings
Read full article: Florida lawmaker files juvenile justice reform bill in the wake of Orlando shootingsBody camera video shows deputies in Orange County arresting Keith Melvin Moses after he’s accused of shooting five people, killing a TV reporter and a 9-year-old girl. The encounter with the sheriff’s office on Feb. 22 was far from his first run-in with law enforcement.
State Attorney Worrell wants juvenile justice changes after Orlando shootings
Read full article: State Attorney Worrell wants juvenile justice changes after Orlando shootingsLast week, Monique Worrell, state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties, laid the blame on a juvenile justice system not designed to handle a juvenile like Moses, and called on state legislators to make changes.
Florida AG Moody dismisses appeal blocking DNA testing for Tommy Zeigler
Read full article: Florida AG Moody dismisses appeal blocking DNA testing for Tommy ZeiglerThe office of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on Monday voluntarily dismissed an appeal meant to block DNA testing for William “Tommy” Zeigler, a 77-year-old man convicted of killing four people in 1975.
Orange-Osceola state attorney discusses attacks against law enforcement, gun violence
Read full article: Orange-Osceola state attorney discusses attacks against law enforcement, gun violenceOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell announced Thursday her office was exploring “initiatives across the country” to help combat local and national attacks against law enforcement and gun violence.
Family of man shot in Orange County home invasion say he was suicidal, tried to get him help
Read full article: Family of man shot in Orange County home invasion say he was suicidal, tried to get him helpA 69-year-old woman shot and killed an intruder Sunday afternoon during a home invasion in Orange County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Black Lives Matter addresses deadly Osceola deputy shooting at Target
Read full article: Black Lives Matter addresses deadly Osceola deputy shooting at TargetBlack Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. held a news briefing Tuesday afternoon on the deadly deputy shooting that occurred outside an Osceola Target last month.
Busted drug-trafficking ring was being operated out of Orange County Jail, officials say
Read full article: Busted drug-trafficking ring was being operated out of Orange County Jail, officials say“Operation Icarus" identified a group responsible for trafficking cocaine and thousands of fentanyl pills throughout Central Florida.
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell launches Adult Civil Citation Program
Read full article: Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell launches Adult Civil Citation ProgramMonique Worrell, state attorney for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit of Orange and Osceola counties, launched the circuit’s first-ever Adult Civil Citation Program on Friday.
‘Great Resignation’ hits Florida state attorneys, public defenders offices
Read full article: ‘Great Resignation’ hits Florida state attorneys, public defenders officesThe Orange-Osceola state attorney says the Great Resignation has hit her office. Monique Worrell says she is facing double-digit job vacancies from attorneys down to support staff.
Orange-Osceola state attorney deems deputy shooting of Salaytis Melvin ‘lawful’
Read full article: Orange-Osceola state attorney deems deputy shooting of Salaytis Melvin ‘lawful’Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell is set to hold a news conference at her office in Orlando at 2:30 p.m. Friday.
Orange-Osceola state attorney’s mental health initiatives aim to improve community
Read full article: Orange-Osceola state attorney’s mental health initiatives aim to improve communityThe new unit Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell ushered in last year to address mental health in the criminal justice system is still going strong.
State Attorney announces new unit to fight opioid epidemic in Central Florida
Read full article: State Attorney announces new unit to fight opioid epidemic in Central FloridaThe State Attorney's Office in Orange and Osceola Counties is announcing the formation of a narcotics unit to fight the opioid epidemic.
State Attorney files charges against former Orlando officer of the year
Read full article: State Attorney files charges against former Orlando officer of the yearThe Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office has filed criminal charges against a former Orlando Police Officer "Officer of the Year," sources tell News 6.
State attorney launches new unit to prosecute backlog of traffic homicides
Read full article: State attorney launches new unit to prosecute backlog of traffic homicidesThe Orange Osceola State Attorney’s office announced Wednesday the creation of a new unit to investigate and prosecute traffic homicide cases.
Prosecutor grants DNA testing in death row case involving 2 Orlando murders
Read full article: Prosecutor grants DNA testing in death row case involving 2 Orlando murdersFor the second time in recent weeks, a Florida prosecutor is granting DNA testing for a death row inmate who has maintained his innocence for more than four decades.
State Attorney says Winter Garden man convicted of killing family in 1975 can test DNA evidence
Read full article: State Attorney says Winter Garden man convicted of killing family in 1975 can test DNA evidenceMore than 45 years waiting for execution William “Tommy” Zeigler will be granted the DNA evidence his attorneys have sought for years that they say could clear his name.
FDLE turned over Osceola SRO body-slamming case to state attorney’s office
Read full article: FDLE turned over Osceola SRO body-slamming case to state attorney’s officeThe probe into an Osceola County school resource deputy who was caught on video slamming a Liberty High School student onto concrete was turned over to the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.
Salaythis Melvin’s family asked for patience as state attorney conducts new inquiry into deadly deputy shooting
Read full article: Salaythis Melvin’s family asked for patience as state attorney conducts new inquiry into deadly deputy shootingThe deputy-involved shooting spurred weeks of protests as community members demanded to see body camera video and for the officer to be fired.
Orange-Osceola state attorney creates new policy for officer-involved shooting review
Read full article: Orange-Osceola state attorney creates new policy for officer-involved shooting reviewProsecutors with the State Attorney’s Office in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, covering Orange and Osceola counties, will independently investigate police officer or deputy-involved shootings in addition to the review conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Child dies after caretaker leaves him alone in car, so why won’t prosecutors charge the woman with his death?
Read full article: Child dies after caretaker leaves him alone in car, so why won’t prosecutors charge the woman with his death?Deputies charged the caretaker with aggravated manslaughter, but News 6 isn’t naming the caretaker, because shortly after her arrest, charges were dropped. What [other] evidence do you need?”In court filings, prosecutors under then-State Attorney Aramis Ayala argued the caretaker was distracted. Ad“Listening to music and talking on the phone”, but they believed leaving Jace in the car was not intentional. “We have to be consistent when it comes to situations like this or you are going to have kids constantly left inside a vehicle,” Wallace said. AdNews 6 reviewed the statute for leaving a child unattended in a car.
State attorney changes incarceration policy due to Orange County jail’s COVID-19 outbreak
Read full article: State attorney changes incarceration policy due to Orange County jail’s COVID-19 outbreakORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell is changing her office’s policy on seeking incarceration for defendants in response to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Orange County jail. The policy comes after an outbreak of virus cases at the Orange County Jail where 83 inmates contracted the virus, according to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. The statement echos Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, who referred to jails as a “petri dish” during a news conference last week. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the jail has about 2,600 inmates housed there. Ad“What we don’t want is people sitting in custody pre trial, because they cant afford to get out of jail,” Worrell said.
New State Attorney files charges in high-profile cases
Read full article: New State Attorney files charges in high-profile casesORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The new state attorney for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit is getting to work by filing charges in several high-profile cases. New court filings show charges filed in two, unrelated cases involving an Orlando rapper and a former UCF football player. Unrelated to that case, Worrell has also filed a felony charge of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit against 22-year-old Antwan Collier. Collier was a defensive back for the UCF football team at the time of his arrest. In the days following the incident, UCF athletics announced Collier and three other athletes involved in the incident had been let go from the team.
Outgoing state attorney drops death penalty in 3 high profile cases
Read full article: Outgoing state attorney drops death penalty in 3 high profile casesORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Monique Worrell was sworn in as the new state attorney for Orange County and Osceola County. Monday night, the outgoing state attorney, Aramis Ayala, decided to drop the death penalty against four defendants in three high profile cases. It was one of the last moves Ayala made while still in office--filing notices that her office would not seek the death penalty against four defendants in three high profile cases, after initially seeking death. “I don’t want my term to be defined by what we do or don’t do with regard to the death penalty,” Worrell said. “That is a very small percentage of what a state attorney does,” she said.
Suspect accused of murdering Osceola couple won’t face death penalty
Read full article: Suspect accused of murdering Osceola couple won’t face death penaltyOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office won’t seek the death penalty against the man accused of murdering a married couple in Kissimmee more than two years ago, according to court records. Ayala was initially seeking the death penalty in all three cases. Ayala previously announced she would not seek the death penalty in any case. When she first announced plans to not seek the death penalty in 2019, then-Gov. This was Aramis’ first week, beginning her term with a discussion about death penalty.
Monique Worrell begins work as state attorney-elect
Read full article: Monique Worrell begins work as state attorney-electMonique Worrell, who is Florida’s second Black state attorney, is preparing to take office in Orange and Osceola counties after winning the general election. [TRENDING: How to get vaccine in Florida | Will vaccine work on new strains? “I am the state attorney elect,” Worrell said. She’s actually already working in the 9th circuit State Attorney’s Office assisting in the Conviction Integrity Unit which she helped start. “I will have the benefit of a lot of advice for her on things that work well and things that don’t work well,” Worrell said.
Incoming Orange-Osceola state attorney fires 5 employees before entering office
Read full article: Incoming Orange-Osceola state attorney fires 5 employees before entering officeORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Incoming Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell has notified five employees that they will not be retained when she takes office in January. Three assistant state attorneys and two investigators were notified by letter this week that they will be let go. I am excited to inherit a staff that is so committed to these goals,” Worrell wrote. We appreciate their service to this office, and wish them well in their future endeavors.”The local state attorney’s office has about 400 employees. Interviews will take place to replace the five employees who will be dismissed effective Jan. 5.
Monique Worrell to replace Aramis Ayala as Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: Monique Worrell to replace Aramis Ayala as Orange-Osceola state attorneyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Democrat Monique Worrell has been declared the winner of the Orange-Osceola state attorney race. As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, she had 66% of the vote with 342 out of 348 precincts reporting. [LIVE RACE RESULTS: Scroll to bottom of story to see all race returns]RACE DETAILS BELOWAfter a heavily contested primary, voters had the choice of two candidates to replace Aramis Ayala as the state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties. He’s been endorsed by former Orange County sheriffs Kevin Beary and Lawson Lamar. Monique Worrell (D)Monique Worrell has earned endorsements from Ayala, Sen. Bernie Sanders and singer John Legend.
Meet the candidates: Here’s who’s running for Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: Meet the candidates: Here’s who’s running for Orange-Osceola state attorneyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After a heavily contested primary, voters now have the choice of two candidates to replace Aramis Ayala as the state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties. Before the November election, get to know more about the two candidates vying for the position of top prosecutor. Here’s what you need to know:Jose Torroella (NPA)Jose Torreolla says he wants to bring truth and fairness to the office if he’s elected. He’s been endorsed by former Orange County sheriffs Kevin Beary and Lawson Lamar. Click here or visit ClickOrlando.com/results2020 to learn more about what you can expect to see on your ballot.
General Election Results for Central Florida State Attorneys on Nov. 3, 2020
Read full article: General Election Results for Central Florida State Attorneys on Nov. 3, 2020Find All Race Results HereORLANDO, Fla. – On Nov. 3, voters in Flagler and Volusia and Orange and Osceola counties will decide their next state attorneys. In Orange County, with Aramis Ayala not running for re-election, either Jose Torreolla or Monique Worrell will become the next Orange-Osceola state attorney. In the 7th Judicial Circuit race, Republican incumbent R.J. Larizza is running against independent candidate Don Dempsey to keep his role as Flagler-Volusia State Attorney. Check all the races in Central Florida and statewide in the dropdown menu below, and get more information on the ClickOrlando.com Results 2020 page.
Florida General Election Results for Orange County on Nov. 3, 2020
Read full article: Florida General Election Results for Orange County on Nov. 3, 2020Find All Race Results HereORLANDO, Fla. – Some of the key races in Orange County include sheriff and state attorney. Orange County Sheriff John Mina looks to hold off Tim Lucas Adams and Winston Johnson. Meanwhile, with Aramis Ayala not running for re-election, either Jose Torreolla and Monique Worrell will become the next Orange-Osceola state attorney. Check out all the Orange County races, including how residents voted for president, in the list below. Check all the races in Central Florida and statewide in the dropdown menu below, and get more information on the ClickOrlando.com Results 2020 page.
Orange-Osceola State Attorney candidate Monique Worrell wants to change the culture of prosecution
Read full article: Orange-Osceola State Attorney candidate Monique Worrell wants to change the culture of prosecutionMonique Worrell beat out three democratic candidates to win the Aug. 18 primary election for state attorney in what was considered a crowded field with 42% of the vote. Asked if that handed her the primary election win, she said the momentum began well before those commercials aired. “I was sworn in as an Assistant State Attorney. I carried a badge in the same way that all other Assistant State Attorney’s did.”AdWorrell also had the endorsement of the current 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Aramis Ayala. After the primary election Ayala eliminated the position of Chief Assistant State Attorney which Barra held.
Meet the candidates: Heres whos running for Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: Meet the candidates: Heres whos running for Orange-Osceola state attorneyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. No matter the results of the election, residents in Orange and Osceola counties are guaranteed to have a new state attorney serving them starting next year. Four Democrats have qualified to run for the race and fill the role that will be vacated by current Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala. Barra also sits on Ayalas death penalty review panel, a group of prosecutors who decide whether the death penalty is appropriate in a first-degree murder case. (WKMG)Ryan Williams, a longtime assistant state attorney in Floridas Ninth and Fifth Judicial Circuits, resigned from Ayalas office after she announced in March 2017 that her prosecutors wouldnt seek the death penalty in any case. Williams was one of the earliest candidates in the race, announcing his intent to run in March 2019.
Former chief judge talks run for Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: Former chief judge talks run for Orange-Osceola state attorneyThe race for Orange-Osceola state attorney is heating up as the four Democratic candidates get set to square off in the upcoming primary election. The current Orlando-area state attorney Aramis Ayala is not seeking re-election after her surprising victory over Jeff Ashton in 2016. Monique Worrell, a criminal justice attorney; current state attorney in Orange-Osceola Deborah Barra; Ryan Williams, a longtime assistant state attorney in Floridas 9th and 5th Judicial Circuits and former chief judge Belvin Perry have all announced they are running for the position. RELATED: Orange-Osceola chief assistant state attorney running for Aramis Ayalas job"Before I even retired people had approached me in the past about running for state attorney and at the time I chose not to," Perry said. MORE: Who is the Orange-Osceola County State Attorney candidate Ryan Williams?
Singer John Legend endorses Orange-Osceola State Attorney candidate Monique Worrell
Read full article: Singer John Legend endorses Orange-Osceola State Attorney candidate Monique WorrellORLANDO, Fla. – Grammy-Award winning singer and songwriter John Legend is paying attention to Florida politics, specifically several upcoming elections for local state attorney seats. The current Orlando-area state attorney Aramis Ayala said last year she would not be seeking re-election. Worrell, former chief judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Belvin Perry; current assistant state attorney in Orange-Osceola Deborah Barra and Ryan Williams, a longtime assistant state attorney in Florida’s 9th and 5th Judicial Circuits, have all announced they are running. Worrell, a criminal justice attorney, faces the three other candidates in the Aug. 18 Democratic primary. The goal of the political group is to “elect prosecutors who will fix our broken criminal justice system,” according to its website.
Thousands gather in downtown Orlando in response to George Floyds death
Read full article: Thousands gather in downtown Orlando in response to George Floyds deathORLANDO, Fla. More than 2,000 people joined a large demonstration Tuesday in Orlando calling for change after the death of a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Protesters filled the streets of downtown near City Hall before the gathering headed toward Orange Blossom Trail. For more than an hour, protesters voiced their demands while Orlando police looked on surrounding City Hall with a bicycle barricade. 3:30 p.m. UPDATE: Crowd outside Orlando City Hall for protest. Orlando police closed down South Street at Orange Avenue and then State Road 408 as thousands of people carrying signs walked on.