Jury Finds Morales Guilty of Attempted Armed Robbery

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Paul Morales guilty of Attempted Armed Robbery. With the verdict, Morales faces up to 30 years in Florida State Prison with a minimum mandatory of 15 years if sentenced as a Prison Release Reoffender and as a Habitual Felony Offender. The Honorable London Kite will formally sentence Morales at a future hearing. 

On Feb. 4, 2023, the victim was going out with two of his friends when they stopped at a gas station on Old St. Augustine Road.  His two friends went into the gas station to buy snacks while the victim pumped gas.  Morales walked up to the victim, pulled a gun out of his waistband, and pointed it at the victim. Morales demanded the victim’s chain and car. When Morales briefly turned to face the store, likely looking to see where the victim’s friends were, the victim tackled Morales.  The victim’s friends who were inside the gas station ran outside and helped get the firearm away from Morales. They held Morales down until police arrived.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by lead Assistant State Attorney Crystal Ganpath-Freed and Assistant State Attorney Joy Whitmore.