Chief Judge Reports Leon County Clerk for Neglect of Duty

News Summary

Chief Judge Frank Allman has reported Leon County Clerk Gwen Marshall to the Florida Supreme Court for alleged ‘neglect of duty’ based on systemic failures in her office. The eight-page report outlines delays and inaccuracies that compromise public safety and due process, highlighting specific cases and errors over the past years. Despite addressing concerns with Marshall, no significant improvements were noted, prompting calls for justice system review and accountability.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Chief Judge Frank Allman of Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit has formally reported Leon County Clerk of Court Gwen Marshall to the Florida Supreme Court, alleging “neglect of duty.” This report is based on a detailed eight-page letter dated June 27, highlighting a pattern of delays and filing errors within the Clerk’s Office that raise serious concerns regarding due process and public safety.

Allman’s report serves as a recommendation for further action from Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, as stipulated by Rule 2.215(l) of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. He notes that various stakeholders in the judicial system, including the Public Defender, State Attorney, private attorneys, judges, and court administration, have submitted ongoing complaints about the Clerk’s Office.

In March 2025, Allman held a meeting with Marshall to address the urgent need for improvements in her office’s operations. He claims that despite the meeting, no significant changes have been observed. In his letter, Allman outlines 12 areas of concern indicative of systemic failures within the Clerk’s Office that impede its core functions.

Detailed Allegations Against Clerk Marshall

The report specifies various issues that have reportedly compromised the accuracy of court records and efficacy of the legal system. Among the allegations are:

• Incorrect docket entries that have potentially led to unlawful arrests, referencing the case of State v. Shametrice Alford.
• Failure to properly docket warrants, which resulted in unlawful releases, as seen in State v. Takira Watson.
• Sensitive information from sealed court filings being made publicly accessible, including incidents of it being shared on platforms such as YouTube.
• Inadequate public access to certain case records, obstructing inquiries from private attorneys and the media.
• Inconsistencies in adherence to Judicial Assignment Administrative Orders across different divisions.
• Delays in docketing documents that often extend from 7 to 10 days, negatively impacting judicial preparation and raising public safety issues.
• Holds on arrest warrant processing that may create safety risks for law enforcement and the community.
• Incorrect handling of competency evaluation orders, delaying criminal proceedings.
• Missed transport orders that lead to rescheduling of court hearings.
• Late processing of release orders that result in unnecessary extensions of incarceration.
• Delays in payments to conflict counsel, stemming from late filing of Judgment and Sentence documents.
• Slow processing of probation orders, which may leave defendants unsupervised and susceptible to legal violations.

Response and Future Developments

In a public response to the allegations, Marshall has maintained that her office is committed to its responsibilities, despite the claims presented in Allman’s report. Paul Flemming, spokesperson for the Florida Supreme Court, has confirmed the receipt of Allman’s letter by Chief Justice Muñiz but indicated that no action has yet been taken.

Background on Gwen Marshall

Elected as Leon County Clerk of Court in November 2016, Gwen Marshall made history as the first woman and the first African American to hold this position. The Clerk of Court is a vital role, responsible for maintaining court records, managing filings, and ensuring the proper administration of justice within the county.

The allegations against her office not only highlight administrative challenges but also raise broader concerns regarding the implications on the judicial system’s functionality and the potential risks to public safety. As the situation unfolds, the actions of the Florida Supreme Court will be closely monitored.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Chief Justice Alleges Neglect at Leon County Clerk’s Office
Florida A&M University Presidential Appointment Contested
New Family Resource Center Opens in Fort Braden
Leon County Clerk’s Office Marks 200 Years of Service
Leon County Passport Fair Set for February 1st
Tallahassee Residents Arrested in Murder Investigation
Leon County Celebrates Love with Third Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding

Additional Resources

• Tallahassee Reports: Chief Judge Refers Leon Clerk Gwen Marshall to Supreme Court
• WTXL: Delays and Errors – Judge Accuses Leon County Clerk’s Office of Neglect of Duty
• Tallahassee.com: Florida Judge Reports Systemic Failure of Leon Court Clerk to Supreme Court
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Judicial System
• WTXL: Leon County Clerk of Courts to Host Drivers License Reinstatement Initiative

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.