In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Deonte Wadley has been indicted by a Fourth Circuit Grand Jury for First-Degree Murder of Timothy Sexton through the unlawful distribution of fentanyl.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Patrick Louviere Jr., of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Battery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Louviere now faces a maximum of 16 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Mark Borello on April 15, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Patrick Lawrence Trottie, 44, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Coercing Commercial Sexual Activity for Human Trafficking, and Deriving Support from the Proceeds of Prostitution.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Henry Lee Hayes IV and Kquame Richardson were found guilty by a jury as criminal gang members of First-Degree Murder, Two Counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, and Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Phillip Jason Smith, 39, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Honorable Bruce Anderson sentenced Smith to Life in Florida State Prison without the possibility of parole.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging eight defendants with First-Degree Murder. With the indictments, each 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 Kameron Letroy Holmes, 25, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. On March 23, 2018, Holmes was sentenced to Life in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Russell L. Healey.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Renard Terrell Gauldin, 21, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Armed Robbery, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. On March 16, 2018, Gauldin was sentenced to 35 years in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Mark Borello.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that the Honorable Angela M. Cox sentenced Kevin Hilaire, 21, of Jacksonville to 18 years in Florida State Prison for Armed Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm by an Adjudicated Delinquent. His sentence includes a 10-year mandatory minimum for the use of a firearm during the armed robbery.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Gloria Williams, 52, of Walterboro, S.C., pleaded guilty to Kidnapping, and Interference with Custody. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Williams now faces a maximum of 22 years in Florida State Prison. She faces 22 years on the kidnapping count and five years on the interference count, with the sentences running concurrently.