In the News

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 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.

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 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 Ezequiel Soriano Lopez, 26, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder and sentenced to Life in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Steven B. Whittington.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Travis Christopher Jakubowski, 28, of Ponte Vedra Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Sexual Battery, and Burglary with Intent to Commit Assault or Battery, and sentenced to 30 years in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Linda F. McCallum. Jakubowski also has been designated a sexual predator.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Bernard Jarnell Pulliam, 37, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Battery on a Licensed Security Officer and sentenced to four months in Duval County Jail.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Brandon Jaron McKnight, 28, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Robbery with Actual Possession of a Firearm, Attempted Murder with Actual Possession and Discharge of a Firearm, Retaliation against a Witness without Bodily Injury, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Devraughne Terrell Owens, 27, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Terrence Keith Payne, 44, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Sexual Battery. Payne now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Steven B. Whittington the week of Nov. 6, 2017.