In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson has been appointed as a trustee to the Council on Criminal Justice, a new national criminal justice organization.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the state Criminal Punishment Code Task Force.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a Duval County grand jury of indictments charging five defendants with First-Degree Murder.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that William Junior Barber, of Jacksonville, was unanimously committed by a jury as a Sexually Violent Predator. He will be confined at the Florida Civil Commitment Center in Arcadia, Florida, for long-term control, care and treatment.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Donald Wayne Martin Jr., of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Martin was sentenced on June 19, 2019, by the Honorable Angela Cox to nearly two years in the Florida State Prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Angela M. Cox sentenced Dheyaa Khaleel Mohammed Mohammed, of Jacksonville to 25 years in Florida State Prison for Attempted First-Degree Murder (Actual Possession and Discharge of a Firearm).

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Donald Hugh Davidson Jr., of Middleburg, entered a guilty plea to charges of First-Degree Murder, Attempted Sexual Battery (Victim Over 12 Years of Age With Force or Deadly Weapon), four counts of Sexual Battery (Victim Under 12 Years of Age), Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, Kidnapping, and Grand Theft Auto. Davidson faces the possibility of the death penalty for his crimes. Davidson waived his right to a jury trial for the guilt and penalty phases — the Honorable Don Lester will oversee a penalty hearing the week of June 10, 2019.

After more than a decade serving the people of the Fourth Circuit, Chief Assistant State Attorney Mac Heavener will return to federal practice and join the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Tennessee. His last day with the State Attorney’s Office will be July 5, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Lark Dana Hodge, 23, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Driving Under the Influence – Manslaughter. Hodge now faces a maximum of 15 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Linda McCallum on June 24, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Curtis Anthony Fields, Jr., was found guilty by a jury of Grand Theft Auto. Fields was sentenced after trial by the Honorable Mark Borello to two years in Florida State Prison.