Daytona Beach, FL — September 27, 2025
A firestorm of criticism has erupted in Florida after State Attorney Monique Worrell declined to prosecute a man accused of masturbating in front of children at a public park in Apopka. The incident, which allegedly occurred on August 16 at Kit Land Nelson Park, involved a 61-year-old man reportedly exposing himself while facing a splash pad where children were playing.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier condemned Worrell’s decision, calling it “gross negligence” and part of a broader pattern of “soft-on-crime policies” that endanger public safety. “We’re not going to stand by and allow the state attorney to fail to do her job,” Uthmeier said during a press conference. “This is systematic abuse.”
According to reports, Worrell’s office declined to pursue charges, allegedly stating the case was “not suitable for prosecution.” In response to mounting backlash, Worrell defended the decision, saying, “All things that are wrong are not illegal,” and emphasized that she was not personally involved in the case but trusted the judgment of the prosecutor who handled it2.
Critics, including members of the DeSantis administration, argue that Worrell’s refusal to prosecute sends a dangerous message and undermines public trust in the justice system. Uthmeier has threatened to reassign the case to another judicial circuit if Worrell does not reverse course.
The controversy has reignited calls for accountability and stricter enforcement of laws protecting children from sexual misconduct. Worrell, who was previously removed from office by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023 and later re-elected, remains a polarizing figure in Florida’s legal and political landscape3.
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