Executive Assignment for DUI Case Prosecution

FL Governor Executive Orders

Published March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order assigning State Attorney Dennis W. Ward to prosecute a DUI case involving Mario Vanegas Mondragon. This assignment is due to a conflict of interest declared by the original State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. The assignment is effective immediately and lasts for one year.

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What changed

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has issued Executive Order 26-40, assigning State Attorney Dennis W. Ward of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit to handle the investigation and prosecution of Mario Vanegas Mondragon for DUI-related charges. This executive assignment is a direct response to the recusal of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, who cited a conflict of interest due to the victim being a former employee of her office. The order aims to ensure impartiality and avoid any appearance of impropriety in the legal proceedings.

This executive assignment is binding and effective immediately, with an initial duration of one year, concluding on March 2, 2027. State Attorney Ward and his designated staff are vested with the authority to proceed within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. All public officials are directed to cooperate with the assigned State Attorney. The assigned State Attorney must notify the Governor if additional time is required beyond the initial one-year period. This action requires immediate attention from legal professionals and law enforcement involved in the case to ensure compliance with the executive order and facilitate the prosecution.

What to do next

Review Executive Order 26-40 for specific directives.
Ensure all necessary personnel and resources are allocated to the assigned prosecution.
Comply with the one-year assignment period ending March 2, 2027, and notify the Governor if extension is needed.

Source document (simplified)

STATE O F FL O RI D A OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-40 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable KA THERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that Mario Vanegas Mondragon has been arrested for driving under the influence, driving under the influence resulting in property damage, and driving under the influence with a second refusal to test; and WHEREAS, the Honorable KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE has also advised the Governor that the victim is a former employee of the state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, to avoid a conflict of interest or any appearance of impropriety, has voluntarily disqualified herself and has requested the executive assignment of another State Attorney regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Mario Vanegas Mondragon; and WHEREAS, the Honorable DENNIS W. WARD, State Attorney for the Sixteenth 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 DENNIS W. WARD discharge the duties of the Honorable KA THERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, 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 DENNIS W. WARD, State Attorney for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the Honorable KA THERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Mario Vanegas Mondragon. 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 Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents of the Eleventh 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. ',-...,;) ~·,, I--.:> =;:-~~t <0-"":.:.....J... • 3......,:;:.. J ij t;~::::o a.90 ---,- --" I ==-::~·: ra N.-- ~- CF.-; V>c-, -0 rr rn.,. rn-r1 (./'):x.r:- Ct.. ""t1--1 r ► -f -J rrl