In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Patrick Lawrence Trottie, 44, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Coercing Commercial Sexual Activity for Human Trafficking, and Deriving Support from the Proceeds of Prostitution.

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.

The State Attorney’s Office recently hosted an internal awards ceremony to recognize the exceptional efforts of attorneys, investigators, and support staff from the past year. 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.

The State Attorney’s Office strives to represent the people of the Fourth Circuit through its dedicated service in and out of the courtroom. Here’s a roundup of some of the exemplary efforts, noted awards, and prestigious distinctions members of the office have earned during the first six months of 2018:

In partnership with the Clerk of Courts, judiciary, and law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the creation of “KEYS 2 Drive” — a diversion program that provides a streamlined, feasible opportunity for certain traffic offenders to obtain a valid driver’s license.

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.

The State Attorney’s Office today presented its inaugural Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer awards to seven members of various Fourth Judicial Circuit agencies who exceeded the call of duty in 2017.

The State Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Review now has an online home.

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.