In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Stephen Webster Bentley, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. Bentley now faces a maximum of life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Bruce R. Anderson, Jr. the week of May 13, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Paul Moore, 52, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Battery, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, and Showing Obscene Material to Minors. Moore now faces a mandatory sentence of life in Florida State Prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Ray Haim, 53, of Waynesville, N.C., was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled before the Honorable Steven B. Whittington at a later date.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Glenn Lavern Sullivan, 49, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Sale of Cocaine. Sullivan now faces a maximum of 30 years as a Habitual Felony Offender in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Linda McCallum the week of May 20, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Nakia Campbell, of Jacksonville, was found guilty as charged by a jury of Attempted Second-Degree Murder and Armed Burglary with Assault or Battery. Campbell was sentenced to 35 years in Florida State Prison by the Honorable Lester Bass on April 9, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Trevonte Montie Phoenix, 18, of Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to the court to Second-Degree Murder. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Phoenix now faces a range of 20 years to life in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Mark Borello will sentence Phoenix on a date to be determined.

For the first time in Florida, an investigation spearheaded by a prosecutor’s conviction review unit has led to the release of two incarcerated men convicted in a decades-old murder. After an extensive analysis by the office’s Conviction Integrity Review (CIR) unit, the State Attorney’s Office has determined it no longer has confidence in the integrity of the convictions or the guilt of Clifford Williams Jr. and Nathan Myers in the 1976 murder of Jeannette Williams.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Deonte Wadley has been indicted by a Fourth Circuit Grand Jury for First-Degree Murder of Timothy Sexton through the unlawful distribution of fentanyl.

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

The State Attorney’s Office recently hosted its annual internal awards ceremony to recognize the exceptional efforts of attorneys, investigators, and support staff from 2018. In all, 12 individual awards were presented during the annual event, along with milestone honors for those who have been with the office for extended periods of time.