ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell held a news conference on Thursday announcing the development of new policies and procedures.
Worrell also referenced a recently-filed “baseless” lawsuit that accuses her previous administration of destroying public records, calling it a “sham” and “politically and selfishly motivated.”
The state attorney detailed how a supplemental investigation targeting her was initiated just two days after her reelection on Nov. 5, 2024.
She claimed that the prior executive team misused their authority by conducting a criminal investigation disguised as an administrative one, aiming to publicly release defamatory information if no indictment occurred.
“Staff members were pressured and intimidated into complying with the demands of the appointed administration under threat of political consequences is no employee should be subject to intimidation or coerced,” Worrell said.
Worrell announced plans to file a petition for declaratory judgment to clarify public disclosure obligations related to the case and the development of a policy to ensure administrative and criminal investigations remain separate and independent, following best practices used in other government agencies.
News 6 Investigator Louis Bolden’s reporting is referenced in the petition. He has covered the state attorney’s office for years.
In her press conference, Worrell noted that an audit of the office’s operations is underway and that findings will be shared with the public soon.
“Since returning to office, we’ve worked diligently to restore trust, transparency and efficiency,” Worrell said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis two years ago suspended Worrell from office for “refusing to faithfully enforce the laws of Florida."
DeSantis appointed Andrew Bain to replace Worrell, who then defeated Bain in the November election.
You can watch Worrell’s full news conference in the media player below.