Progressive Florida Judge Says Man Self-Pleasuring in Park with Children “Not Illegal”

Florida AG blasts state attorney for dropping child exploitation cases
September 27, 2025
Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique H. Worrell
Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique H. Worrell

ORLANDO, FL – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking aim at Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique H. Worrell, accusing her office of abandoning two high-profile child exploitation cases.

In a sharply worded letter dated Friday, Uthmeier said Worrell’s office failed to prosecute a man accused of masturbating in public near children at a park, and separately dismissed charges against another man accused of possessing and sharing child pornography. He said the decisions “lacked sufficient legal justification” and undermined public trust in the justice system.

Park incident sparks outrage

The first case involved 61-year-old Kevin W. Chapman, who was arrested in August after witnesses said he exposed himself while masturbating on a bench at Kit Land Nelson Park, where families and children were playing. According to reports cited in the letter, Chapman continued for several minutes before pulling his shorts back up.

Despite eyewitness accounts, photos, and videos, Worrell’s office declined to file charges, ruling the incident “not suitable for prosecution.” Uthmeier criticized the move, arguing that prosecutors should have pursued pretrial detention under Florida law to protect the community.

Child pornography case dismissed

The second case, State of Florida v. Thomas L. Dolgos, involved allegations of possessing and distributing dozens of videos showing the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. Uthmeier said dismissing the charges amounted to an “egregious abuse of discretion” and posed a direct risk to public safety.

The attorney general urged Worrell to reconsider her approach, warning that her office’s actions send a dangerous message about accountability in crimes involving children.

Key Points

  • Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier accused State Attorney Monique Worrell of failing to prosecute two child exploitation cases.
  • One case involved a man allegedly masturbating in front of children at a public park.
  • Another case involved possession and distribution of child pornography that prosecutors dismissed.

The letter sets the stage for a heated clash over how Florida handles crimes against children.