In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Hardy, of Fernandina Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Burglary to a Dwelling Causing Over $1,000 in Damage, First-Degree Arson, and Aggravated Stalking. Hardy now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable James Daniel on Feb. 14, 2019.

On January 16, 2019, a federal jury found Trumaine “Lucky” Muller (34, Orange Park) guilty of one count of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of an 18-year-old woman, one count of distribution of heroin and furanylfentanyl, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and furanylfentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Muller faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2019.

In the ongoing effort to continuously improve public safety, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Sheriff Mike Williams, and Mayor Lenny Curry announce the public release of their Comprehensive Gang Reduction Strategy.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Raymond Hucks Jr., of Jacksonville Beach, was found guilty by a jury of Burglary of a Dwelling. Hucks now faces a maximum of 30 years in Florida State Prison as a Habitual Offender. Sentencing will be set by the Honorable Russell Healey the week of Feb. 11, 2019.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Anthony Allen, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Actual Possession). Allen now faces a maximum of 15 years in Florida State Prison with a 3-year mandatory minimum. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Lester Bass on Feb. 12, 2019.

As organized groups and individuals continue to commit violent crimes in Jacksonville, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the expansion of the office’s Targeted Prosecution Unit to further identify, investigate, and prosecute these offenders.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Tara Thrift was found guilty by a jury of Vehicular Homicide and three counts of Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Richard Camp, of Yulee, was arrested Dec. 13, 2018, by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office on charges of Organized Fraud and Money Laundering following an investigation by the State Attorney’s Office.

Mental health and criminal justice have long intersected. Law enforcement often is the lone responder to those who suffer from serious and untreated mental illnesses.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that James Jackson, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of First-Degree Murder and Sexual Battery (Defendant 18 or Older, Victim Less Than 12 Years of Age). A jury will now determine whether Jackson will receive the Death Penalty or Life in Florida State Prison. That sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin before the Honorable James Daniel on Dec. 19, 2018.