Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints L.E. Hutton to Fourth Circuit Bench

Governor Ron DeSantis announced his appointment of Chief Assistant L.E. Hutton to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court bench to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Don Lester.

Hutton took the position of Chief Assistant under State Attorney Melissa Nelson in 2017. His role included supervising operations in Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties; serving on the homicide unit and Officer-Involved Critical Incident review rotation; managing the Grand Jury Indictment Review Panel; and working alongside our Targeted Prosecution team as an integral part of the office’s efforts to combat gang violence.

Hutton began his legal career originally with the State Attorney’s Office, Fourth Circuit in 1998 as an Assistant State Attorney. He then joined the law firm of Willis, Ferebee & Hutton in 2001. Hutton continued his 16-year criminal law career representing clients at the state and federal level before returning to the State Attorney’s Office in 2017.

“L.E. Hutton has proven himself as a talented prosecutor with exceptional intellect and work ethic,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson. “He will be a valuable asset to our judiciary, and I commend Gov. Ron DeSantis on this outstanding judicial appointment.”

“I am appreciative of the trust the governor has placed in me to continue my dutiful service to this community, and I am grateful for this tremendous opportunity,” said Hutton.

Hutton will begin his role on the bench on January 2.