In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that Aria Lynn Westfall, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of Place for Trafficking in or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Traffic in Controlled Substance.

The Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team for the Fourth Judicial Circuit will hold an organizational meeting at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that Rashaun Cooper, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Burglary and Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent Found to Have Committed a Felony Act.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that Reginald Lavon Phelps, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announced the return by a Duval County grand jury of indictments charging two defendants with First-Degree Murder in longstanding cold cases.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that Trey Quinton Carter, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Felony Domestic Battery. Further, the jury found Carter presents a danger to the public and was previously convicted of a battery.

The Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team for the Fourth Judicial Circuit will hold a meeting on February 25, 2021.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that Lee Rodarte has pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder in the 2017 killing of Savannah Gold. The Honorable Jeb Branham will formally sentence Rodarte in a hearing March 11, 2021.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Melissa Jo Schafer has pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary with Assault or Battery, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon in the 1999 killing of Saad Kawaf.

The Department of Justice today recognized State Attorney Melissa Nelson and the Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office with the “Outstanding Local Prosecutor’s Office Award” for their ongoing efforts in Project Safe Neighborhoods.