In the News

In an effort to better address cases of animal cruelty and neglect, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that all cases involving animal-related issues will be reviewed by longtime prosecutor Cyrus Zomorodian.

The 2019 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Assembly of Cities Conference concluded its three-day agenda Friday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. More than 250 local and national law enforcement members, prosecutors, forensic nurses, and advocates devoted to stopping sexual violence attended.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Curtis Wayne Hodges, 28, of Hilliard, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Burglary. Hodges will be sentenced as a Habitual Offender and now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Mark Jeffrey Borello the first week of January.

Law enforcement from throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit on Thursday afternoon announced the arrests of 10 individuals after a year-long investigation into a Northwest Jacksonville criminal street gang. Those arrested are part of “Problem Child Entertainment,” a group responsible for murders, attempted murder, aggravated battery, robberies, dealing in stolen property, and other criminal offenses.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Howard Maltz sentenced Dalton Roy Edwards, 22, of Bunnell, to 20 Years in Florida State Prison for two counts of DUI Manslaughter. Edwards will serve 10 years of probation to follow his incarceration, and his driver’s license is permanently revoked.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Jeffrey Allen Weddington II, 27, of Fernandina Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery with Force, False Imprisonment, and Felony Battery. Weddington now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Robert M. Foster on Dec. 7, 2017.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Bryan Goggins Jr., of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder, three counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Thomas Spence, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Kelley Permenter, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence with Damage, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Attended Property.

When it launched more than a year ago, the goal of the KEYS 2 Drive program was to help people obtain a valid driver’s license and get back on the road legally. That goal is being met: more than 900 people have earned their license through the program.