Executive Assignment for Michael Landon James Case

FL Governor Executive Orders

Filed March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order assigning State Attorney Amira D. Fox to investigate and prosecute the case of Michael Landon James, who was arrested for domestic violence. This assignment is due to a conflict of interest within the original prosecuting office and is effective immediately for one year.

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What changed

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has issued Executive Order 26-44, assigning State Attorney Amira D. Fox of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit to handle the investigation and prosecution of Michael Landon James. This action is necessitated by a conflict of interest identified by State Attorney Harold F. Pryor of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, whose office has a familial connection to the victim in the domestic violence case against Mr. James. The executive order is effective immediately and vests Ms. Fox and her designated staff with the authority to proceed.

This assignment is for a period of one year, concluding on March 2, 2027, with the possibility of extension upon notification to the Governor. All residents and public officials within the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit are directed to cooperate with the Assigned State Attorney. This executive assignment ensures that the case proceeds without the appearance of impropriety, upholding the integrity of the judicial process. No specific compliance actions are required for regulated entities outside of the judicial and law enforcement system, but cooperation with the assigned prosecutor is mandated for those within the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

What to do next

Cooperate with Assigned State Attorney Amira D. Fox and her designated staff.
Provide necessary assistance to the Assigned State Attorney as directed.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-44 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR, State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that Michael Landon James has been arrested for touch or strike/battery domestic violence; and WHEREAS, the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR has also advised the Governor that the victim is related to an employee of the state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR, to avoid a conflict of interest or any appearance of impropriety, has voluntarily disqualified himself and has requested the executive assignment of another State Attorney regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Michael Landon James; and WHEREAS, the Honorable AMIRA D. FOX, State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has agreed to accept an executive assignment in this matter; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State of Florida and of the ends of justice that the Honorable AMIRA D. FOX discharge the duties of the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR, pursuant to section 27.14, Florida Statutes. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, Governor of Florida, in obedience to my solemn constitutional duty to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed," and pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida, issue the following Executive Order, effective immediately:

Section 1. The Honorable AMIRA D. FOX, State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR, State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Michael Landon James. Section 2. The Assigned State Attorney or one or more Assistant State Attorneys and Investigators, who have been designated by the Assigned State Attorney, shall proceed immediately to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit are requested, and all public officials are directed, to cooperate and render whatever assistance is necessary to the Assigned State Attorney, so that justice may be served. Section 4. The period of this Executive Assignment shall be for one (1) year, to and including March 2, 2027. Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 2, 2027, if additional time is required. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, this 2nd day of March, 2026. ' r, '-' r~ f'i -{... = r-..:,::,~,.~.,. er- --·:lC,,!-....:7":i:,,,- J>,; -·::::0::r:;~:, I - '"'r~-·•'.-'",.......,..;.... N r (./)- (.I) -0 r,,o rn...,,.,:x. CJ).r;:-.. °"T1-l r-);:> -I -..J fTl 0