TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed a law to prevent convicted sex predators from being allowed to walk the streets before they are sentenced.
On Tuesday, he advocated for Missy’s Law, which is designed to deny bail to all sex predators after they are found guilty by a jury.
The proposal was inspired by the tragic death of a 5-year-old at the hands of a predator, which Uthmeier says was preventable.
“We cannot allow these acts of evil to happen again, and I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature to pass Missy’s Law next session,” Uthmeier said.
Uthmeier explained Daniel Spencer murdered 5-year-old Missy Mogle on May 19 after being found guilty of traveling to meet a minor. Judge Tiffany Baker allowed Spencer to remain on bond, contrary to the attorney’s recommendation, a decision Uthmeier condemned and said contributed to Missy’s murder.
“Missy died because Judge Baker didn’t put Spencer behind bars where he belonged,” Uthmeier continued. “Judge Baker’s abuse of discretion should be sanctioned.”
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In February of 2024, Spencer was caught traveling to meet a girl, who he knew was 15 years old. At the same time, detectives say Spencer was actively being investigated for sexual abuse of his 5-year-old stepdaughter.
In April 2025, a jury found Spencer guilty of traveling to meet the minor; however, the judge denied the state attorney’s request to revoke bond, allowing him back into the community– and the house where Missy lived.
A month later, on May 19, Uthmeier says Spencer brutally murdered Missy. Disturbing evidence was also recovered from the scene showing violent sessions of abuse.
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