ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell discussed the criminal history of a man who shot two Orlando police officers in downtown late Friday.
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Worrell said discussed Daton Viel’s criminal history and responded to what she called disinformation that she believes originated with the Fraternal Order of Police.
She said no one is to blame for the shootings other than Viel.
Worrell also said that the justice system is imperfect.
Read: Daton Viel: What we know about man accused of shooting 2 Orlando police officers
She provided Channel 9 with the following statement:
“This past weekend, two officers from the Orlando Police Department were shot and injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the two officers, their families, OPD, and all members of law enforcement at this difficult time. We know the work of law enforcement is dangerous, and we do not take them for granted.
Daton Viel was serving a probation sentence for felony trespass when this incident occurred. He was also being prosecuted for sexual battery of a 14-year-old girl that was committed prior to the probation violation. After his arrest for the sexual battery case, the judge at initial appearances set his bond at $125,250. Mr. Viel was legally entitled to a bond because he was not charged with a life felony or a capital offense. It was within the judge’s discretion to set the bond amount. Mr. Viel posted the bond shortly thereafter.
Again, we recognize the dangers of the job of law enforcement and do not take it lightly. It is important to not politicize a tragedy and know all of law enforcement shares a common goal.”
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Orlando police Chief Eric Smith told Channel 9 on Monday that he will look into why Viel was not in jail.
“It is time for me as the chief of the police to protect my officers and look at why he was out and (was) able to do the things he (did),” he said. “I have to protect my other officers and protect law enforcement as a whole.”
Watch Worrell’s full news conference in the video above.
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