ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In one of his first actions as state attorney, Andrew Bain told staff in an email he is eliminating diversion programs designed to offer early intervention for some offenders and relieve the burden on the court system juggling more serious cases.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Once Monique Worrell was suspended, so were the programs, meaning right now anyone who was in the process of getting a second chance is going back to the court system.

The programs were not for violent crimes.

Under Worrell, there were five diversion programs including drug, underage drinking, veterans and juvenile programs.

LIVE UPDATES: Gov. Ron DeSantis suspends Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell

Attorney Camara Williams supported Bain during his campaign for judge. He said nixing the programs is “despicable.”

“These programs affect Black and Brown communities, specifically, poor Black and Brown communities,” he said. “People who have made improper decisions with their lives, but they understand that (they) want a pathway to do the right thing. Now what do they do? They’re left in a window.”

Leslie Rivera’s 15-year-old daughter completed one of the programs.

READ: Worrell’s opponent in 2020 election weighs in on her suspension

“These programs do help by educating and giving them a sense of power in their decisions,” she said.

Also gone with Worrell is the Catch and Release policy, which means you can no longer be released out in the community while waiting for a hearing in immigration court.

READ: Central Florida reacts to DeSantis’ suspension of Monique Worrell: Hear from local officials

Video: Andrew Bain: Who is the state attorney appointed to replace Monique Worrell? Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Andrew Bain to replace Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell after he suspended her citing “neglect of duty." (Karla Ray, WFTV.com)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group