In the News

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 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 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 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.

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.