STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 17-97
(Executive Order of Suspension)
WHEREAS, James A. Harris, Jr. , is currently serving as the Tax Collector of Franklin County,
Florida; and
WHEREAS, on March 31 , 2017, James A. Harris, Jr. was arrested, and was charged by
Information on April 3, 2017, with one count of Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor, a second-degree
felony in violation of section 794.05(1 ), Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 7, Florida Constitution, provides that the Governor may
suspend from office any county officer for commission of a felony; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the residents of Franklin County, and the citizens of
the State of Florida, that James A. Harris, Jr., be immediately suspended from the public office he now
holds, upon the grounds set forth in this executive order.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK SCOTT, Governor of Florida, pursuant to Article IV, Section
7, Florida Constitution, Florida Statues, find as follows:
A.
James A. Harris, Jr., is, and at all times material hereto was, serving as the Tax
Collector of Franklin County.
B.
The office of Tax Collector of Franklin County, Florida, is within the purview of the
suspension powers of the Governor, pursuant to Article IV, Section 7, of the Florida Constitution.
C.
On March 3 1, 2017, James A. Harris, Jr. , was arrested, and was been charged by
Information on April 3, 2017, with Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor, a second-degree felony in
violation of section 794.05(1 ), Florida Statutes, as evidenced by the attached Information, which is
incorporated as if fully stated in thi s Executive Order.
BEING FULLY ADVISED in the premises, and in accordance with the Constitution and the
laws of the State of Florida, this Executive Order is issued, effective immediately:
Section 1.
James A. Harris, Jr., is suspended from the public office that he now holds, to
wit: Tax Collector of Franklin County, Florida.
Section 2.
James A. Harris, Jr., is prohibited from performing any official act, duty, or
function of public office; from receiving any pay or allowance; and from being entitled to any of the
emoluments or privileges of public office during the period of this suspension, which period shall be
from today, until a fwther Executive Order is issued, or as otherwise provided by law.
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 3rd day of Apri l, 2017.
RICK SCOTijGOVERNOR
ATTEST:
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or FLORIDA
CASE \0. 1700081 CF\:f/\
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**ll\JFOR\1AT!0.\"'"
James,\ Harris. Jr.
\V ~vL 02d l 1 1961
SSi\' 263-S 1- 148.
Dekndant(s l.
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l\fFOfUv1ATl()"\' FOR:
Sl:J<l 1AL ACTIVITY \\Tl H l 6 OR I 7 YI· AR OLD
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(reL f?.711 )tL6)
- - --- - --l\' Tl[[:, >.A\11· OF A\D BY THE AL'TI fOR1 [
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y or TI II s l ATE OF r LORID:\:
JACK CA\:lPBl:.l L. ~Late \uon'c: for the Second Judicial Circuit of the State of
Florida. charge::, that in FRA\ 1'.Lf!\ County. l 'loridu. thl:' abm\.'-named dcfendant(s):
On \ ·l arch 31. 2017, did lmla,\full) engage in se"l{tWI activit) \\ith \:f.I .. a person 16 or 17 year5:>
of age, hy oral penetration or union with th1.: sexual organ of another, and the defendant wa-, 24
years~>;· ugc or ol . .ler. contrar) to Se~lll1n 794.05, 1·1oriJa l.)1atutes.
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A'l L OF I'LORIDA
COL \'TY
or FR.A\'KLI I\
.I '\CK C:\~v1PBI l I STATl-, An OR'.\.E'i
SECO\D Jl DlCl:\L CIR.Cl 11
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De::oignat.:d \ssiswm State AHorne;
The foregoing instrument wa;-; ci~ki10\\!edgcd before me on Arri! 3. '.2017, hy Jarred ll. l'attcr.;,on,
Dt·signated .\ssistarn Stat~ Atwrne:v by Jack Campbell, State Attornc;. for the Second Judicial
Circuit or the Stale of J·lu:-ida. \.Vh(' i<; kmmn to me and did t:~kc an oath stating guod faitl' in
inst.tutrng thL· pros0cution and eerti (vmg that testimon: \'- <.1s recci\ cd under O<lth from the
maJt.:rial v,:itness or w~,tncssrs for the offem;c pursuant to!-'. R.Cr.P. 3. ! 40(.g).
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~OTARY PL BLlC'
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SUSAN G.HOWZC: .
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l~~'t\ Commission HGG 02672:>
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