In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Louise Marie Luning, 57, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder. Luning now faces a maximum of 60 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Russell Healey the week of Sept. 10, 2018.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging three defendants with First-Degree Murder.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Steven Whittington sentenced Henry Lee Hayes IV and Kquame Richardson to Life in Florida State Prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Jaquan Marquise Lawrence, of Jacksonville, and LaThomas Dennis, of Jacksonville, were found guilty by a jury of four counts of Attempted Manslaughter by Act. Lawrence now faces a maximum of 20 Years and Dennis a maximum of 75 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be set by Honorable Russell Healey the week of Sept. 4.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Alejandro Antonio Perez, 22, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Armed Burglary with a Firearm, and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding. Perez now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be set the week of Aug. 20 by the Honorable Steven Whittington.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that the Honorable Steven B. Whittington sentenced Emery Deshon Handy, Jr., 19, of Jacksonville to 50 years in Florida State Prison for Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Robbery, and Burglary with Assault or Battery.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging three defendants with First-Degree Murder. With the indictments, each defendant faces a sentence of mandatory life in prison upon conviction.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Tammy Shereese Wright-Conner, 44, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. Wright-Conner now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. Sentencing is to be set the week of June 25 by the Honorable Linda McCallum.

In partnership with the Clerk of Courts, judiciary, and law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the creation of “KEYS 2 Drive” — a diversion program that provides a streamlined, feasible opportunity for certain traffic offenders to obtain a valid driver’s license.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Robert Lee Smith, 60, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery, Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors, and Showing Obscene Materials to Minors. Smith now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Russell L. Healey on May 14, 2018.