In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Stephen Webster Bentley, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. Bentley now faces a maximum of life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Bruce R. Anderson, Jr. the week of May 13, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Paul Moore, 52, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, and Showing Obscene Material to Minors. Moore now faces a mandatory sentence of life in Florida State Prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Trevonte Montie Phoenix, 18, of Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to the court to Second-Degree Murder. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Phoenix now faces a range of 20 years to life in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Mark Borello will sentence Phoenix on a date to be determined.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Mikel Gary McClusky, of Perry, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Sexual Battery. McClusky now faces a maximum of life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Linda McCallum on April 8, 2019.

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 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 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.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Roderick Stephan Love, Jr., 28, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Attempted Second-Degree Murder and Armed Robbery, and Xavier Payne, 22, of Jacksonville was found guilty by a jury of Attempted Second-Degree Murder.