In the News

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.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Russell L. Healey sentenced Lorenzo Carol Alston, 24, of Jacksonville, to Life in Florida State Prison for Second-Degree Murder.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Tony Gerald Ellison, 52, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. Pursuant to the plea to the judge, Ellison now faces a maximum of 30 years in prison with a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence in Florida State Prison followed by sex offender probation for life. Ellison will be sentenced the week of Nov. 27, 2017.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Kevin Ryan Rojas, 21, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Attempted Manslaughter, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Grand Theft Auto, and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer. Rojas now faces a mandatory sentence of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable James H. Daniel during the week of Nov. 27, 2017.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Victor Vaughn Reed, 51, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of three counts of Sexual Battery. Reed now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be set.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the Honorable James H. Daniel sentenced Quintae Davouris Hudson, 27, of Jacksonville, to Life Without Parole in Florida State Prison for First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder, three counts of Tampering with a Witness, Directing the Activities of a Gang, and Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a grand jury of indictments charging five defendants with First-Degree Murder. The State is seeking the death penalty on two defendants, both of whom are alleged to have murdered elderly family members.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Ronald Lee Coleman, 58, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Sexual Battery. Coleman now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Linda F. McCallum for the week of Sept. 18, 2017.