In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson discussed local violent crime issues and the prosecutorial strategies to combat them to a national law enforcement panel in an effort to provide recommendations that can benefit other jurisdictions across the country.

After thorough review, the State Attorney’s Office has determined that the appropriate venue to continue this investigation is the federal justice system. We have referred our investigation to our federal partners, who will take the lead moving forward and have the full support of this office.

Employees of the office again went above and beyond to support local families of those who have served with a Wounded Warrior Project holiday party. The office adopted a dozen veterans through the nonprofit and built baskets filled with clothes, sporting goods, electronics, gift cards, and more to say ‘thank you’ for their service.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Kelley Permenter, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by the Honorable Bruce Anderson to more than 10 years in Florida State Prison for the death of Hunter Cope.

In an effort to better address cases of animal cruelty and neglect, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that all cases involving animal-related issues will be reviewed by longtime prosecutor Cyrus Zomorodian.

The 2019 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Assembly of Cities Conference concluded its three-day agenda Friday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. More than 250 local and national law enforcement members, prosecutors, forensic nurses, and advocates devoted to stopping sexual violence attended.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Curtis Wayne Hodges, 28, of Hilliard, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Burglary. Hodges will be sentenced as a Habitual Offender and now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Mark Jeffrey Borello the first week of January.

Law enforcement from throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit on Thursday afternoon announced the arrests of 10 individuals after a year-long investigation into a Northwest Jacksonville criminal street gang. Those arrested are part of “Problem Child Entertainment,” a group responsible for murders, attempted murder, aggravated battery, robberies, dealing in stolen property, and other criminal offenses.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Howard Maltz sentenced Dalton Roy Edwards, 22, of Bunnell, to 20 Years in Florida State Prison for two counts of DUI Manslaughter. Edwards will serve 10 years of probation to follow his incarceration, and his driver’s license is permanently revoked.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Jeffrey Allen Weddington II, 27, of Fernandina Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery with Force, False Imprisonment, and Felony Battery. Weddington now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Robert M. Foster on Dec. 7, 2017.