Attorney General James Uthmeier has called on Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell to prosecute individuals accused of child sexual offenses after her office declined to pursue charges in two separate cases. The cases involve Kevin Chapman, 61, who was arrested for masturbating in front of children at Kit Land Nelson Park in Apopka, and Thomas Dolgos, 47, who allegedly distributed images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
“Central Florida deserves better than a state attorney who prioritizes the guilty over protecting the innocent,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Once again, the question of Monique Worrell’s fitness to hold an office of public trust is unavoidable. Whether these dismissals stemmed from malice or incompetence, they were inexcusable—and families in Central Florida continue to pay the price for her failures.”
Congresswoman Laurel Lee commented on the situation: “I appreciate the leadership of Attorney General Uthmeier and Statewide Prosecutor McVay in confronting the serious public safety risks that arise when violent offenders are released back into our communities. Domestic violence and gun crimes are not minor offenses—they are clear indicators of escalating danger. As a former prosecutor and judge, I know that every charging decision is also a safety decision, with real consequences for families across Florida. In Congress I am working to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, expand programs that keep violent offenders off our streets, and demand transparency and accountability from prosecutors’ offices. Protecting our communities and restoring trust in the justice system must always remain our top priority.”
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay also weighed in: “Both as a father and a prosecutor, the actions, or lack thereof, of State Attorney Worrell are antithetical to our way of law and continue to place and keep our most vulnerable in danger’s way. Under Attorney General Uthmeier’s leadership, and my direction of the Office of Statewide Prosecution, we will hold this perpetrator accountable to the fullest.”
The incident involving Chapman took place on August 16 at Kit Land Nelson Park where witnesses reported seeing him engage in lewd behavior near children playing at a splash pad. Video evidence corroborated these accounts. Despite this evidence and confirmation by police officers as well as park management staff, Worrell’s office did not file charges or seek pretrial detention. Under Florida law, such acts committed in view of minors under sixteen constitute felony lewd and lascivious exhibition.
In another recent case cited by officials, Worrell’s office dropped all charges against Dolgos related to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material while prosecution was ongoing through the Office of Statewide Prosecution. After being released from custody due to these dropped charges, Dolgos fled but was apprehended at the Canadian border following coordinated law enforcement efforts; he now faces additional charges.
A copy of Attorney General Uthmeier's letter addressing these issues has been made available online.