FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Chapman
Phone: (904) 255-3004
Cell: (904) 524-6626
ChapmanD@coj.net
Feb. 8, 2022
BROWN FOUND GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY, FIREARM POSSESSION
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Leroy Brown was found guilty by a jury of Attempted Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Brown, a Habitual Offender and Prison Releasee Reoffender, now faces up to 30 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Tatiana Salvador will schedule a sentencing hearing during the week of March 14, 2022.
On Jan. 10, 2019, a pizza delivery driver delivered an order to a residence on Free Avenue. When the driver arrived, there were no lights on at the residence. The driver called the number for the customer — Brown — who placed the order. Brown said he was standing in the driveway and told the driver to pull in. As the driver was getting the pizza out of the bag, Brown approached him from behind, put a gun to his head, and attempted to rob him. A scuffle ensued before Brown broke away and ran down the driveway, stopped, turned around, and walked back toward the driver while pointing the gun at him. The driver pulled his own concealed firearm, telling Brown to drop his weapon or he would shoot. Brown continued to approach with the firearm, so the driver responded by firing a single shot that caused Brown to flee the area.
An investigation revealed the number used to call the business was registered to Brown and is the same number used when he filed a previous police report. Upon arrest, Brown’s cellphone was analyzed — the call Brown made to the business was still on the phone, as well as the call from the driver.
The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Jackie Blair and Brittany Johnson.