Attorney General James Uthmeier Answers State Attorney’s Plea; Sends Prosecutors to Address Case Backlog in the Ninth Judicial Circuit

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Release Date
Apr 14, 2025
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Communications
Phone
(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier answered the plea for assistance from Monique Worrell, the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, to address a 13,500 case backlog. Based on the backlog, State Attorney Worrell announced a soft-on-crime policy that prevents law enforcement from sending certain non-arrest cases to her office, including gun crimes and violent felonies.

“There is no excuse for non-prosecution policies that allow dangerous criminals to go free. The people of Orlando deserve better,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Other Statewide Prosecutors will help pick up the caseload of their colleagues and work longer days that may turn into long nights. But this is what public service is all about: doing what is right and bringing justice where it is due.”

The following prosecutors from the Office of Statewide Prosecution will assist the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit:

  • Joni Gerrity 
  • Lauryn Day 
  • Jean Almonacy
  • Rebecca Addison 
  • Rebecca Smith-Hameroff
  • Taylor Chatting

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