On April 14, 2025, Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to a request for assistance from Monique Worrell, the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Florida, who is dealing with a backlog of 13,500 cases. Worrell had implemented a policy that restricts law enforcement from referring certain non-arrest cases, including firearm and violent felony cases, to her office.
Attorney General Uthmeier criticized this approach: “There is no excuse for non-prosecution policies that allow dangerous criminals to go free. The people of Orlando deserve better.” He confirmed that other statewide prosecutors would share the increased workload by working extended hours to ensure justice.
Several prosecutors from the Office of Statewide Prosecution have been appointed to aid the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Those named include Joni Gerrity, Lauryn Day, Jean Almonacy, Rebecca Addison, Rebecca Smith-Hameroff, and Taylor Chatting. Their involvement aims to help manage the case backlog by distributing the caseload among more prosecutors.
Uthmeier emphasized the importance of public service, stating, “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.”
