State Attorney Executive Assignment: Vega Case

FL Governor Executive Orders

Filed March 12th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has assigned State Attorney Harold F. Pryor to investigate and prosecute the case of Joel Antonio Vega, who was arrested for sexual battery. This assignment is due to a conflict of interest within the original prosecuting office and is effective immediately.

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What changed

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-62, assigning State Attorney Harold F. Pryor of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit to handle the investigation and prosecution of Joel Antonio Vega, who faces charges of sexual battery. This assignment is a direct response to a conflict of interest declared by the State Attorney of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Alexcia Cox, whose office has an employee related to the defendant. The order is effective immediately and vests Pryor with the necessary authority to proceed.

This executive assignment is for a period of one year, concluding in March 2027, with a provision for requesting an extension if needed by February 12, 2027. All public officials and residents of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit are directed to cooperate with the assigned State Attorney. This action ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice by avoiding any appearance of impropriety in the prosecution of this sensitive case.

What to do next

State Attorney Harold F. Pryor to proceed with investigation and prosecution.
Assigned State Attorney to notify Governor by February 12, 2027, if additional time is required.
Public officials and residents of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit to cooperate with the Assigned State Attorney.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-62 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable ALEXCIA COX, State Attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that Joel Antonio Vega has been arrested for sexual battery; and WHEREAS, the Honorable ALEXCIA COX has also advised the Governor that the defendant is related to an employee ofthe state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable ALEXCIA COX, 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 ofthis case and all related matters regarding Joel Antonio Vega; 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 of the Honorable ALEXCIA COX, 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 of the Honorable ALEXCIA COX, State Attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Joel Antonio Vega. 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 Fifteenth Judicial Circuit ofFlorida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents of the Fifteenth 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 shall be for one (1) year, to and including March , 2027. Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 12, 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 12th day of March, 2026. ......,..r -, c:::, I'-...;)j;~;I r-:.., ::.?:;,~-i . en -=r~;i:... >-•., ;;:(:I __,. .. _, ~ -'"-~..... ' l>~~= N r-U)-; ~o ::x fT'~ fTl "'rl• en .r-.. ~~ c.n ,.,,-f CJi