Local

State Attorney fires six employees for drug use, officials say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The newly elected state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties has fired six of her employees.

Aramis Ayala announced during a news conference Friday that six of her staffers were let go on accusations of illegal drug use.

"Integrity, ethics and professionalism. Nothing less will be tolerated,” Ayala said.

Ayala said the former employees, two assistant state attorneys and four victim advocates, were accused of using cocaine and marijuana. She said it happened outside of work at people’s homes and elsewhere.

Ayala said one case of drug use by a former employee was witnessed by someone from an outside law enforcement agency.

"As we are aware, it absolutely did not happen on the job. But I can assure you, from the date that I took office, January 3, 2017, it has not happened,” Ayala said.

Eyewitness News asked the state attorney whether the law enforcement agency or others have their own employees involved. Ayala said other agencies would have to speak for themselves.

"Based upon the power and authority employees of this office possess, I will hold each of us to a higher standard. The job is an honor. But even more importantly, the job is a responsibility,” Ayala said.

The former employees have not been charged criminally.

Ayala made a point of mentioning that her office has done all this on the basis of statements, rather than hard evidence.

Ayala said during her first news conference since taking office that she wants to make new outreach efforts and new case tracking systems.

"My first week in office, it was brought to my attention that members of my staff were not living up this standard,” Ayala said.

Eyewitness News has not released their names since they have not been charged with a crime.