Habitual Offender Found Guilty of Burglary to a Dwelling, Faces Up to 30 Years in Prison

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.

On Feb. 19, 2018, members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were looking for a reported stolen SUV on Walker Lane, a single entry-exit dead-end street off Beach Boulevard. When they reached the last house on the street, officers observed the SUV behind the victim’s residence. Officers also saw the house had an open rear window and pushed-in curtains, as if someone had climbed through the opening. Moments later, Hucks exited the home through that same window. One officer observed the outline of a firearm in his pocket and K-9 Huk was deployed as Hucks made his way to the waiting vehicle. The K-9 took Hucks to the ground and the defendant was arrested. A search revealed an airsoft pistol, along with the victim’s prescription medication and her jewelry. When officers contacted the victim, she said she was visiting family out of town and had not given permission for anyone to be at her home.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Declan Duffy and Ashleigh Brooks.