State Attorney Executive Assignment for Mark Junior Williams Case

FL Governor Executive Orders

Filed March 12th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order assigning State Attorney Harold F. Pryor to investigate and prosecute the case of Mark Junior Williams. This assignment is due to a potential conflict of interest for the original State Attorney. The assignment is effective immediately and will last for one year, with an option for extension.

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What changed

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-63, assigning State Attorney Harold F. Pryor of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit to handle the investigation and prosecution of Mark Junior Williams. This action is necessitated by the recusal of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, who cited a conflict of interest as the victim is an employee of her office. The order vests Pryor and his designated staff with the authority to proceed with the case.

This executive assignment is effective immediately and is set to last for one year, concluding on March 12, 2027, with a provision for requesting an extension if needed. All residents and public officials within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit are directed to cooperate with the assigned State Attorney. This action ensures the continued faithful execution of laws and the administration of justice in this specific case, avoiding any appearance of impropriety.

What to do next

State Attorney Harold F. Pryor to commence investigation and prosecution of Mark Junior Williams.
Assigned State Attorney to notify the Governor by February 12, 2027, if additional time is required.
All public officials in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit to cooperate with the Assigned State Attorney.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FLO RIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-63 (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 Mark Junior Williams has been arrested for battery; and WHEREAS, the Honorable KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE has also advised the Governor that the victim is an employee ofthe state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable KA THERINE 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 Mark Junior Williams; and WHEREAS, the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR, State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has agreed to accept an executive assignment in this matter; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests ofthe State ofFlorida and ofthe ends ofjustice that the Honorable HAROLD F. PRYOR discharge the duties ofthe 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 HAROLD F. PRYOR, State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties ofthe 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 Mark Junior Williams. 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 ofFlorida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents ofthe 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 ofthis Executive Assignment shaUbe for one (1) year, to and including March 12, 2027. Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 12, 2027, ifadditional 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 12th day of March, 2026.