In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Donna Crump-Piedra, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Child Neglect and Culpable Negligence (Firearm/Children).

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Jason Steven Evans, of Middleburg, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery on a Child Less than 12 Years of Age, Tampering with a Victim in a Capital Proceeding, and Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Cecil Burney II, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Felony Murder, and two counts of Armed Robbery while Wearing a Hood or Mask.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging one defendant with First-Degree Murder. With the indictments, the 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.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Logan Mott, of Jacksonville, entered a guilty plea for Second-Degree Murder in the 2017 death of his grandmother, Kristina French.

As part of its mission to further public safety, fairness, and trust in the role of the prosecutor, the State Attorney’s Office, in partnership with Florida International University and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, is proud to release the second part of its Advancing Prosecutorial Effectiveness and Fairness Report Series.

Shorstein grew up in the Riverside area with “the greatest mother in the world” and his brothers Jack and Bud, went to Lee High School, and earned his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Florida in 1965.

Juvenile Director Laura Lothman Lambert is the headlining author in the summer 2019 edition of the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice publication.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces Doug Cercy, Ray Jones, and Jennifer Schulte, all of Jacksonville, were sentenced by the Honorable Angela Cox to the maximum penalties provided by their plea agreements for the murder of Melvin Clark.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Breon Anthony Hollings, 24, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault.