Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has raised serious concerns over the Florida House of Representatives’ inaction regarding Leon Circuit Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper. More than a year has passed since Judge Baker released Daniel Spencer, a convicted child sex offender, on bond, a decision that had devastating consequences. Just weeks later, Spencer murdered his 5-year-old stepdaughter, Melissa “Missy” Mogle.
Uthmeier’s frustration is palpable. In a recent post on social media, he stated, “It’s been 385 days since Tallahassee Judge Tiffany Baker let a convicted sex offender walk out of the courtroom instead of into a prison cell, and he subsequently murdered 5-year-old Missy Mogle. The Florida House still hasn’t impeached Judge Baker. There’s no excuse.” His remarks highlight a perceived failure of the legislative body to act decisively in light of the tragic outcome of the judge’s decision.
Spencer had previously been convicted in April 2025 following an undercover operation focused on online predation. Despite the State Attorney’s recommendation to hold him without bond, Judge Baker cited his lack of violent history and prior compliance with bond restrictions, allowing him to remain free. This decision became even more painful in the wake of Missy’s tragic murder on May 19, 2025. The circumstances surrounding her death offer a horrifying glimpse into the impact of judicial discretion gone wrong. Reports detail how she suffered prolonged abuse, culminating in asphyxiation—her frail body showing signs of severe neglect and violence.
Surveillance footage further illuminates the horrors she faced, capturing moments that should never occur in a child’s life. The images detail the violent treatment inflicted by both Spencer and his wife, Chloe, who is also charged with murder in connection with Missy’s death. The couple claimed that Missy had “behavioral issues,” but the evidence pointed to a much darker reality—one of relentless abuse.
In response to this tragedy, legislation known as “Missy’s Law” was passed to ensure judges could not release certain convicted sex offenders and violent criminals on bond pending sentencing. Governor Ron DeSantis, who signed the bill into law, has publicly supported the call for Judge Baker’s impeachment, emphasizing the need for accountability within the judiciary.
Attorney General Uthmeier echoed this sentiment in a formal letter to House Speaker Daniel Perez. He stated that Judge Baker’s actions had “brought disrepute upon the judiciary” and contributed directly to the child’s death. Uthmeier underscored the expectation for judges to protect the public by enforcing the law appropriately, asserting that Baker-Carper’s failure to do so disqualified her from her position. His assertive language reflects a broader demand for judicial accountability in cases involving vulnerable populations.
Despite the overwhelming public outcry and the governor’s support, the Florida House of Representatives has yet to act on Uthmeier’s requests. The absence of a response raises questions about the legislative body’s priorities and its commitment to safeguarding children. The judge’s decision has not only torn a family apart but also ignited debates on judicial responsibility and public safety.
As it stands, Judge Baker-Carper has recused herself from the upcoming murder trials of Spencer and his wife, a move that appears prudent given the intense scrutiny surrounding her actions. However, the lack of decisive action from the Florida House remains a troubling indicator of how justice is administered.
Uthmeier’s forceful stance and the actions taken by those in leadership illustrate the heightened awareness of the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent future tragedies. As this situation continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact that judicial decisions have on the safety of communities and the lives of innocent children. The push for accountability is as crucial as ever, resonating strongly in the complexities of the judicial landscape.
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