News by Year: 2019

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Curtis Bey, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Attempted Second-Degree Murder. On Feb. 4, 2019, he was sentenced by the Honorable Mark Borello to 25 years in Florida State Prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Jamal Williams, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Shooting a Deadly Missile, and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. Williams now faces a maximum of 30 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Angela M. Cox on Feb. 19, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a Duval County grand jury of indictments charging five 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.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Mitchell Leonard Ray Sr., of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Sexual Battery. Ray now faces a maximum of 30 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Angela M. Cox on Feb. 11, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Hardy, of Fernandina Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Burglary to a Dwelling Causing Over $1,000 in Damage, First-Degree Arson, and Aggravated Stalking. Hardy now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable James Daniel on Feb. 14, 2019.

On January 16, 2019, a federal jury found Trumaine “Lucky” Muller (34, Orange Park) guilty of one count of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of an 18-year-old woman, one count of distribution of heroin and furanylfentanyl, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and furanylfentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Muller faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2019.

In the ongoing effort to continuously improve public safety, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Sheriff Mike Williams, and Mayor Lenny Curry announce the public release of their Comprehensive Gang Reduction Strategy.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Raymond Hucks Jr., of Jacksonville Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Burglary of a Dwelling. Hucks now faces a maximum of 30 years in Florida State Prison as a Habitual Offender. Sentencing will be set by the Honorable Russell Healey the week of Feb. 11, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Anthony Allen, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Actual Possession). Allen now faces a maximum of 15 years in Florida State Prison with a 3-year mandatory minimum. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Lester Bass on Feb. 12, 2019.

As organized groups and individuals continue to commit violent crimes in Jacksonville, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the expansion of the office’s Targeted Prosecution Unit to further identify, investigate, and prosecute these offenders.