Cremated remains of 9 people found in office of embattled Central Florida guardian

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ORLANDO, Fla. — The cremated remains of nine people were found in the office of an embattled professional guardian linked to the death of a 75-year-old Florida client, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said.

Moody revealed the discovery Wednesday in an interview with The News Service of Florida.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Orange County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Rebecca Fierle's Orlando office Monday.

"Alarmingly, we found items that are cause for concern and will intensify our investigation. We found nine cremains. We are now in the process of identifying those and furthering the investigation," Moody said.

A Central Florida attorney told WESH 2 News that it’s not uncommon for wards to have the remains of the people they are caring for.

Fierle is facing a criminal investigation and the governor has ordered a complete review of the Department of Elder Affairs' Office of Public and Professional Guardians.

That followed revelations that Fierle signed 'Do Not Resuscitate,' or DNR orders, for most of her wards.

Court records reviewed by WESH 2 News show Fierle has handled more than 800 Guardian cases in nine local counties over two decades.

Fierle’s wards were individuals who are physically or mentally incapacitated and are appointed a guardian.

Fierle has resigned from all of her guardian cases in 14 counties writing, "I will not be seeking reappointment in any cases, nor will I seek future appointments as a guardian."

The controversy over Fierle’s actions began after the death of a man who hospital workers would not treat because investigators say Fierle filed a "do not resuscitate" order without consent from his family.

"Anytime you have allegations where Do Not Resuscitates, DNR's, were executed in an unlawful manner, and then you conduct a search warrant and find multiple actual urns with remains in the office, that is concerning in an investigation. So, this will only help us in the investigation. Certainly, we will continue our efforts and make sure the necessary witnesses are interviewed and develop a full case," Moody said.

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Cremated remains of 9 people found in office of embattled Central Florida guardian