Former Judge Belvin Perry possible interim replacement for Ayala, sources say

State Attorney Aramis Ayala's job on brink?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Judge Belvin Perry may have the inside track on State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s job, political insiders say.

Perry, who is currently with the Morgan and Morgan Law firm, has not publicly discussed the position but sources familiar with the situation said Perry wouldn’t say no.

Former Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary told News 6 Perry would be his choice “without hesitation.”

“He’s a former state attorney, a former chief judge (and) he’s a well-known African-American conservative," Beary said. “He’d run it the way it needs to be run.”

Perry was unavailable for comment but his name has emerged in the wake of Ayala’s controversial decision to eliminate the death penalty as an option in the Markeith Loyd case or any case.

Loyd, 41, faces murder and other charges in the shooting deaths of his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

Dr. James Clark, a Florida historian and political expert, said it would be a “win, win”  for Gov. Rick Scott.

“There would be a lot of attorneys lining up for the job," Clark said. "Belvin Perry would be the perfect choice.”

In an email to News 6 Tuesday evenin, the governor’s press secretary remained neutral writing:

“As we have said before, we are continuing to review our options.”

Ayala was in court Tuesday challenging the governor’s decision to remove her from the Loyd case.

Judge Fredrick Lauten denied her request to be reinstated.

Ayala issued a statement after the decision saying she would not give up.

“By inserting his personal politics into this case, Governor Scott’s unprecedented action is dangerous and could compromise the prosecution of Markeith Loyd and threatens the integrity of Florida’s judicial system," Ayala said. 

The Orange-Osceola County state attorney said her office will move forward trying to "expose the governor’s action as unlawful and unconstitutional in a way that does not compromise the successful prosecution of Markeith Loyd.”

Two rallies are scheduled on Thursday in support of and against Ayala.

The NAACP is hosting a rally in Tallahassee condemning Scott’s decision to remove Ayala from the Loyd case.

In Orlando, family and friends of homicide victims are staging a rally in front of the Orange County Courthouse calling for Ayala’s removal from office. 


About the Author:

News 6’s Emmy Award-winning Investigative Reporter Mike Holfeld has made Central Florida history with major investigations that have led to new policies, legislative proposals and even -- state and national laws. If you have an issue or story idea, call Mike's office at 407-521-1322.