In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Maayaki Raysor, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

A message to the community from State Attorney Melissa Nelson:

Healing begins with us.

Two years ago, law enforcement from each agency in the Fourth Circuit and community stakeholders signed a historic agreement to expand the use of juvenile civil citations. The results are clear: the smart justice program is working.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Ray Haim, 53, of Waynesville, N.C., was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled before the Honorable Steven B. Whittington at a later date.

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.