Orlando, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is deploying statewide prosecutors to assist with a mounting case backlog in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, responding to a request for help from State Attorney Monique Worrell.
The Ninth Circuit, which includes Orange and Osceola counties, is currently facing a backlog of approximately 13,500 cases. In response, Worrell recently announced her office would limit the intake of non-arrest cases, including some involving firearms and violent felonies, citing the strain on prosecutorial resources.
Uthmeier criticized the policy shift, calling it a “soft-on-crime” approach. “There is no excuse for non-prosecution policies that allow dangerous criminals to go free. The people of Orlando deserve better,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
The Attorney General’s Office will send prosecutors from across the state to help address the backlog. Uthmeier said the prosecutors are prepared to work extended hours if necessary. “This is what public service is all about: doing what is right and bringing justice where it is due,” he said.
Worrell’s office had not publicly commented on Uthmeier’s announcement as of Tuesday.
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
