Executive Order 26-36: Richards Case Circuit Assignment

FL Governor Executive Orders

Published March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-36, assigning State Attorney William M. Gladson to prosecute the case of Rachel Ann Richards due to a conflict of interest with the original State Attorney. The assignment is effective immediately and lasts for one year.

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What changed

Executive Order 26-36, issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, assigns State Attorney William M. Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit to investigate and prosecute the case of Rachel Ann Richards, who faces charges of burglary of a conveyance and fraudulent use of credit cards. This assignment is made due to a conflict of interest declared by the State Attorney of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Monique H. Worrell, whose office has a victim employed by them. The order is effective immediately.

This executive assignment is for a period of one year, concluding on March 2, 2027, with the possibility of extension if requested by the assigned State Attorney. All residents and public officials in the Ninth Judicial Circuit are directed to cooperate with the assigned State Attorney. This action ensures the proper handling of the case and avoids any appearance of impropriety in the prosecution.

What to do next

Review Executive Order 26-36 for details on the assigned State Attorney and case scope.
Ensure cooperation with the Assigned State Attorney (William M. Gladson) as directed by Section 3 of the order.
Note the assignment period ends March 2, 2027, with a notification deadline for extension requests on February 2, 2027.

Source document (simplified)

STATE O F F LOR I D A OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-36 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable MONIQUE H. WORRELL, State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised <;iovernor RON DESANTIS that Rachel Ann Richards has been charged with burglary of a conveyance and fraudulent use of credit cards (greater than or equal to $100) (2 counts); and WHEREAS, the Honorable MONIQUE H. WORRELL has also advised the Governor that the victim is an employee of the state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable MONIQUE H. WORRELL, 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 Rachel Ann Richards; and WHEREAS, the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON, State Attorney for the Fifth 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 WILLIAM M.. GLADSON discharge the duties of the Honorable MONIQUE H. WORRELL, 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 WILLIAM M. GLADSON, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the Honorable MONIQUE H. WORRELL, State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Rachel Ann Richards. 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 Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents of the Ninth 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,.,:) CJ"::x:x,,,,;;o I N -0:x.r:-.. °' - r rn 0