In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Anthony Allen, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Actual Possession). Allen now faces a maximum of 15 years in Florida State Prison with a 3-year mandatory minimum. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Lester Bass on Feb. 12, 2019.

As organized groups and individuals continue to commit violent crimes in Jacksonville, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the expansion of the office’s Targeted Prosecution Unit to further identify, investigate, and prosecute these offenders.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Tara Thrift was found guilty by a jury of Vehicular Homicide and three counts of Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Richard Camp, of Yulee, was arrested Dec. 13, 2018, by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office on charges of Organized Fraud and Money Laundering following an investigation by the State Attorney’s Office.

Mental health and criminal justice have long intersected. Law enforcement often is the lone responder to those who suffer from serious and untreated mental illnesses.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that James Jackson, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of First-Degree Murder and Sexual Battery (Defendant 18 or Older, Victim Less Than 12 Years of Age). A jury will now determine whether Jackson will receive the Death Penalty or Life in Florida State Prison. That sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin before the Honorable James Daniel on Dec. 19, 2018.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Keith Collins, Jr., of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of First-Degree Murder and Attempted First-Degree Murder. The jury will now determine whether Collins will receive the Death Penalty or Mandatory Life in Florida State Prison. The penalty phase is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 5, 2018.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Brian Kevin Littles, Jr., 23, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by the Honorable Steven Whittington to 35 years in Florida State Prison for crimes he committed in October 2017.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson has joined law enforcement leaders from around the country as the newest member of the Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board, an initiative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Eric Newberg, 48, was civilly committed as a sexually violent predator following a jury trial. Newberg will now be committed to the Florida Civil Commitment Center for long-term care, control, and treatment.