State Attorney Executive Assignment for Kianna Lopez Case

FL Governor Executive Orders

Filed March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor DeSantis has issued an Executive Order assigning State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle to handle the investigation and prosecution of matters related to Kianna Lopez. This assignment is effective immediately and will last for one year, until March 2, 2027, to avoid a conflict of interest.

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What changed

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has issued Executive Order 26-37, assigning State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit to handle all matters concerning Kianna Lopez, including the investigation and prosecution of her case. This assignment is necessitated by a conflict of interest declared by the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit's State Attorney, Harold F. Pryor, and follows a prior assignment related to an early termination of probation motion. The order is effective immediately and supersedes previous assignments.

This executive assignment is binding and will remain in effect for one year, concluding on March 2, 2027, with a provision for extension notification by February 2, 2027. All residents and public officials within the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit are directed to cooperate with the assigned State Attorney. This action ensures the continued prosecution and investigation of the case, maintaining the integrity of the judicial process and avoiding any appearance of impropriety.

What to do next

Review Executive Order 26-37 for details on the assigned State Attorney and scope of duties.
Ensure cooperation with the assigned State Attorney's office as directed by the order.
Monitor case developments related to Kianna Lopez and the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-37 (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 Kianna Lopez has filed a motion for early termination of probation; and WHEREAS, the Honorable KA THERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, handled the original case under Executive Order 22-177, as extended by Executive Order 23-158; and WHEREAS, the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR, has also advised the Governor that the original conflict continues to exist and 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 Kianna Lopez; and WHEREAS, the Honorable KA THERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, State Attorney for the Eleventh 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 KA THERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE 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 KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE, State Attorney for the Eleventh 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 Kianna Lopez. 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.

ATTEST: 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. ' 0 r--;, rr, c:::> ~--{:::, ~ Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 2, 2027, if additional time is required. J> -,...,. Q"'\ r.:no,..,, - r r::....-::a:: _,,..... ' p---,::::0::i:;;- I 1::>-·-- N,. -,, en......., Cfto m rn...,:x fTl. U) &" 0....,,~ r-)> -i C7' fTl