STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 19-70
WHEREAS, the Honorable AMIRA D. FOX, State Attorney for the Twentieth
Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that as a result of an
FDLE investigation regarding allegations made against Jay Rodriguez, an interrelated
investigation is being conducted by the Fort Myers Police Department, in which Jay
Rodriguez is a potential victim of extortion; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable ED BRODSKY, State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial
Circuit of Florida, is handling the FDLE investigation regarding allegations made against Jay
Rodriguez under Executive Order 19-69: and
WHEREAS, the Honorable AMIRA D. FOX has also advised the Governor that Jay
Rodriguez is an employee with the Fort Myers Police Department with which her office has
a close working relationship; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable AMIRA D. FOX, 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 with respect to the investigation and
prosecution of this case and all related matters; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable BRIAN HAAS, State Attorney for the Tenth 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 ofjustice
that the Honorable BRIAN HAAS discharge the duties of the Honorable AMIRA D. FOX,
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 BRIAN HAAS, State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of
Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the
Honorable AMIRA D. FOX, State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, as
they relate to the investigation, prosecution, and all matters related to Jay Rodriguez.
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 Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to
perform the duties prescribed herein.
Section 3.
All residents of the Twentieth 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 8, 2020.
Section 5.
The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 8, 2020,
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 8th day of March, 2019.

1RON DESANTIS, GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

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