News by Year: 2018

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Steven Whittington sentenced Henry Lee Hayes IV and Kquame Richardson to Life in Florida State Prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Jaquan Marquise Lawrence, of Jacksonville, and LaThomas Dennis, of Jacksonville, were found guilty by a jury of four counts of Attempted Manslaughter by Act. Lawrence now faces a maximum of 20 Years and Dennis a maximum of 75 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be set by Honorable Russell Healey the week of Sept. 4.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Alejandro Antonio Perez, 22, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Armed Burglary with a Firearm, and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding. Perez now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be set the week of Aug. 20 by the Honorable Steven Whittington.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that the Honorable Steven B. Whittington sentenced Emery Deshon Handy, Jr., 19, of Jacksonville to 50 years in Florida State Prison for Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Robbery, and Burglary with Assault or Battery.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging three defendants with First-Degree Murder. With the indictments, each defendant faces a sentence of mandatory life in prison upon conviction.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Patrick Lawrence Trottie, 44, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Coercing Commercial Sexual Activity for Human Trafficking, and Deriving Support from the Proceeds of Prostitution.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Henry Lee Hayes IV and Kquame Richardson were found guilty by a jury as criminal gang members of First-Degree Murder, Two Counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, and Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Tammy Shereese Wright-Conner, 44, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. Wright-Conner now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. Sentencing is to be set the week of June 25 by the Honorable Linda McCallum.

The State Attorney’s Office recently hosted an internal awards ceremony to recognize the exceptional efforts of attorneys, investigators, and support staff from the past year. In all, 12 individual awards were presented during the annual event, along with milestone honors for those who have been with the office for extended periods of time.

The State Attorney’s Office strives to represent the people of the Fourth Circuit through its dedicated service in and out of the courtroom. Here’s a roundup of some of the exemplary efforts, noted awards, and prestigious distinctions members of the office have earned during the first six months of 2018: