Orlando, Fla. — As Monique Worrell prepares to return as the region’s top prosecutor next week, some surprising twists are keeping things uncertain. Just days before her highly anticipated swearing-in ceremony, Worrell was spotted at the Polk County Courthouse. Her appearance raised a lot of eyebrows, especially since rumors have been swirling about a potential grand jury investigation. Some wonder if this is a last-minute move to block her from taking office.
Worrell didn’t dive into details when asked by reporters, instead focusing on her excitement about Tuesday’s big day. After spending over a year battling her suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis, she triumphed in the election last November, beating the current state attorney, DeSantis appointee Andrew Bain, with a strong 57% of the vote.
But Democratic leaders, particularly in Orange County, are sounding the alarm. State Rep. Anna Eskamani posted on Instagram, “It seems like DeSantis is trying to remove Worrell again, using a Special Prosecutor and Grand Jury in Polk County. The timing is suspicious, especially with her swearing-in ceremony just around the corner.”
Eskamani pointed to a sealed executive order from DeSantis issued on Dec. 10 as potential evidence, though whether that order targets Worrell is still unclear. No one knows yet whether Worrell or someone from her administration might be involved in the grand jury proceedings, leaving the situation up in the air for now.
In a joint statement, Orange County Democratic leaders voiced their concerns, stating that any efforts to block Worrell from performing her duties would undermine democracy and disenfranchise the voters who entrusted her with the role.
When reached by The Orlando Sentinel, Worrell declined to comment on Eskamani’s statement but remained upbeat, saying she’s “looking forward to being sworn in on Tuesday” and excited to bring back the programs and policies that helped reduce violent crime in the area.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Fifth Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson was also at the courthouse around the same time as Worrell, though his office has not confirmed whether he was there for the grand jury.
The months following her election have been tense for Worrell and her supporters. A leaked memo from Bain’s office raised concerns that he might try to hold on to his position, even after Worrell’s victory. Though Bain’s office quickly backtracked, uncertainty still looms large.
And if a grand jury indictment comes through? That could drastically change the game. Under Florida law, the governor has the power to suspend state officials for criminal behavior, and DeSantis suspended Worrell in August 2023, claiming she failed to properly prosecute drug and firearm offenses.
Despite the setback, Worrell didn’t back down. After battling in the courts and getting no relief, she decided to take the matter to the people — and won big at the ballot box.
Now, as her return to office approaches, many are wondering what’s next for Worrell. Will the grand jury play a role in delaying her return? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the drama isn’t over yet.
