News by Year: 2018

In partnership with the Clerk of Courts, judiciary, and law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the creation of “KEYS 2 Drive” — a diversion program that provides a streamlined, feasible opportunity for certain traffic offenders to obtain a valid driver’s license.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Phillip Jason Smith, 39, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Honorable Bruce Anderson sentenced Smith to Life in Florida State Prison without the possibility of parole.

The State Attorney’s Office today presented its inaugural Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer awards to seven members of various Fourth Judicial Circuit agencies who exceeded the call of duty in 2017.

The State Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Review now has an online home.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Robert Lee Smith, 60, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery, Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors, and Showing Obscene Materials to Minors. Smith now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Russell L. Healey on May 14, 2018.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging eight defendants with First-Degree Murder. With the indictments, each defendant faces a sentence of mandatory life in prison, unless the State provides notice of its intent to seek the death penalty, in accordance with Florida law.

With compassion and commitment, Carl Harms goes above and beyond for families of slain victims during their greatest time of need. Harms’ dedication as a victim specialist is well known within the Fourth Judicial Circuit, but he has now received accolades on a grander scale.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Kameron Letroy Holmes, 25, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. On March 23, 2018, Holmes was sentenced to Life in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Russell L. Healey.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Renard Terrell Gauldin, 21, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Armed Robbery, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. On March 16, 2018, Gauldin was sentenced to 35 years in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Mark Borello.

We are pleased to announce that the Fourth Circuit State Attorney’s Office 2017 Annual Report has been uploaded to the website and is now live.