In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces the filing of an information charging Ronnie Leon Hyde, 60, of Jacksonville Beach, with murder and multiple counts of possessing images depicting sexual conduct by children. If convicted on all counts, Hyde faces a maximum sentence of life plus 180 years.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Danny Ray Conley, 48, of Jacksonville, was found subject to indefinite civil commitment as a sexually violent predator — pursuant to a unanimous jury verdict — under Florida’s Involuntary Civil Commitment for Sexually Violent Predators’ Act, also known as the “Jimmy Ryce” Act. The Honorable Donald Moran Jr. signed an order committing Conley immediately at the conclusion of trial Thursday, March 23, 2017.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Courtney Lamar Davis, 31, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder, Abuse of a Dead Human Body, and Tampering with Evidence. Davis now faces a maximum of life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Angela M. Cox on April 10, 2017.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Laura Lothman Lambert has joined the Fourth Judicial Circuit as the office’s Juvenile Director.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces the return of an indictment by a grand jury charging Quintae Hudson, 26, of Jacksonville with First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder, four counts of Tampering with a Witness, Directing the Activities of a Criminal Gang and Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles.

In an effort to better combat human trafficking in the 4th Circuit, State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announced the office has created a new section that is dedicated to pursuing and prosecuting offenders engaged in trafficking other people.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces today that Bobbie Jackson, IV, 21, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Armed Burglary and Armed Trespassing. Jackson now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. Jackson, a five-time felon, was released from prison less than a year ago and now qualifies as a Prison Releasee Reoffender.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Donald Hugh Davidson Jr., of Middleburg, was sentenced by the Honorable Don Lester to death for the murder of Roseanne Welsh.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Keith Dion Jackson, II, 27, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. Jackson now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Angela M. Cox on Nov. 20, 2017.