Castor Criticizes DeSantis for Firing State Attorney: An 'Abuse of Power'

Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) is criticizing Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for dismissing State Attorney Monique Worrell of the Orlando area, stating that she neglected her duty to “faithfully prosecute crimes in her jurisdiction.” This is not the first time this has happened, as Gov. DeSantis fired State Attorney Andrew Warren last year.

In a press release, Gov. DeSantis's Executive Office said that Worrell's "practices and policies have too often allowed violent criminals to escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct, thereby endangering the innocent civilians of Orange and Osceola counties."

However, Rep. Castor attributed this move to “Governor DeSantis’ abuse of power” that “knows no end.”

"Governor DeSantis’ abuse of power knows no end. His latest ousting of a duly-elected prosecutor undermines Floridians' sacred right to vote and our democratic values. Just last year, DeSantis put his political ambitions over Florida voters and suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren in a politically craven and illegal move,” stated Rep. Castor.

She would mention that State Attorney Worrell was “a trusted elected official.”

"While DeSantis is focused on making news headlines, he is costing Floridians a lot - higher bills, a real financial squeeze, and our ability to choose our own leaders. State Attorney Monique Worrell is a trusted elected official in Orange and Osceola counties. DeSantis continues to distract voters from his actions of wasting taxpayer dollars, ignoring skyrocketing costs for hard-working families, abusing his power, and wreaking havoc on students and schools,” Castor said.

Naturally, Castor disagreed with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) who called the decision “the right move.”

"This is the right move. Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies are eroding our communities and families' ability to feel safe. In February, I called on SA Monique Worrell to deliver the justice and accountability needed for the families affected by shootings in her district and said her suspension would be fully justified. She failed to do her job. Families deserve better," stated Sen. Scott.

DeSantis has tapped Andrew Bain to replace Worrell, who recently served as a county judge in the 9th Judicial Circuit and as the Assistant State Attorney in that jurisdiction.

This is a developing story.