In a significant move to combat gun violence and streamline the legal process for firearm-related cases, the 4th Judicial Circuit has launched a new Gun Offender Violence Court.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, along with members of the State Attorney’s Office and FDLE, will discuss a Special Assault Cold Case that led to the arrest of a suspect.

A Duval County judge on Monday morning denied the motion of Mario Fernandez and Shanna Gardner to disqualify the State Attorney’s Office from prosecuting them in the Jarred Bridegan murder case.

The judge is expected to formally rule on Shanna Gardner and Mario Fernandez’ motions to have the State Attorney’s Office kicked off the case on Monday morning.

Defendant Shanna Gardner’s attorney on Wednesday asked the court to close part of an evidentiary hearing on Thursday related to her motion to disqualify State Attorney Melissa Nelson’s office from prosecuting the alleged murder-for-hire plot.

Fourth Circuit State Attorney Melissa Nelson plans to run for re-election. She was first elected in 2016 when she defeated incumbent Angela Corey.

At least 50% of women and 30% of men are victims of sexual violence.

Ohlone people and others are rejoicing over the return of sacred Native land dating back thousands of years.

All proceedings in the case against a couple accused in a murder-for-hire plot have been put on hold after a judge’s ruling this week.

Retailers in Florida lost more than $5.4 billion in revenue to theft in 2022, according to the National Retail Federation. In Georgia, it was more than $2.3 billion.

Tevin Robinson, 24, was found shot in a car in the Highland Square Plaza on Dunn Avenue on Jan. 2.

The lawyers for one of three people charged with the murder-for-hire plot that left a St. Johns County father of four dead want the prosecutors off the case.

It was a cool, or shall we say cold, way to raise money: Jacksonville leaders took an icy dip to raise money for the ALS Association.

Two Jacksonville brothers convicted on multiple drug charges learned their fate in court on Wednesday when a judge handed down a 30-year sentence.

The State Attorney’s Office on Thursday the indictment of Jared Bridegan’s ex-wife on first-degree murder charges in the conspiracy that led to his ambush shooting last year.

Local sheriffs and Jacksonville’s next mayor on Wednesday evening are set to hold a news conference to discuss what they are saying is a growing issue of violence against law enforcement officers.

The man investigators say helped orchestrate a conspiracy to kill a St. Johns County father of four in February 2022 will plead not guilty to the charges against him at his arraignment Tuesday in Duval County court.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson explained the challenges and opportunities of enforcing the law in District 4, which includes Duval, Nassau and Clay counties to a local philanthropy group Monday.

The man investigators say was behind the money in a conspiracy to kill a St. Johns County father of four in February 2022 has been transferred to the Duval County jail.

News4JAX on Monday obtained the plea agreement signed Thursday by Henry Tenon, in which he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Jared Bridegan.

When deadly shots were fired on a dark stretch of road near the Sanctuary neighborhood on Feb. 16, 2022, investigators say it was the culmination of a weeks-long conspiracy to kill Jared Bridegan.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson and Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith announced arrest of Mario Fernandez in the February 2022 murder of Jared Bridegan.

A man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty in the 2016 killing of a witness that was ordered from jail, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced Friday.

The 61-year-old man arrested in connection with the targeted ambush shooting of a father of four in Jacksonville Beach last year will be arraigned on the charges Feb. 16 -- a year to the day that Jared Bridegan was gunned down with his toddler daughter in the back seat of his SUV.

Nearly a year after a father of four was gunned down in what police believe was a targeted ambush shooting in Jacksonville Beach, police and the state attorney’s office announced an arrest in the case Wednesday.

Police told News4JAX that they will release details Wednesday about where the investigation into the murder of a father of four in Jacksonville Beach stands.

Human trafficking can happen anywhere and to anyone — that was the message Tuesday morning from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and the FBI during a news conference in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

A local attorney and a community activist are calling for State Attorney Melissa Nelson to upgrade a misdemeanor battery charge to a felony and file a hate crime charge against a man accused of attacking a woman inside an Arlington gas station.

News4JAX on Friday obtained the incident reports on suspicious letters that were sent to the Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville this week.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Monday announced the return of a guilty verdict by a Duval County jury of first-degree murder and other charges in the trial of a man accused of ordering his stepbrother to kill a witness from jail.

A man who was shot in Arlington and left for dead more than 30 years ago has new hope in finding those responsible.

The trial of former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels has been postponed again.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Thursday announced the return by a Duval County grand jury of an indictment charging a Jacksonville man with first-degree murder.

Melissa Nelson, state attorney for Florida’s Fourth Judicial District, was a guest Thursday on WJCT’s radio talk show First Coast Connect.

The State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit on Wednesday honored officers and deputies who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

A Jacksonville community group that had planned to meet Monday with Sheriff Mike Williams might be moving on, taking its pitch for an adult citation program to the candidates who want to be the city’s next sheriff.

After six months of trying to meet with Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams, a citywide group of faith leaders has a date set.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Thursday announced the return of indictments by a Duval County grand jury charging seven people with first-degree murder.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declined to appoint a special prosecutor for Jacksonville community activist Ben Frazier’s misdemeanor charge of trespassing, saying that would not serve the best interests of justice.

Former Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who’s facing charges including tampering with evidence and giving false information to law enforcement, could go to trial in December.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Thursday announced indictments by a Duval County grand jury charging four people in unrelated cases with first-degree murder.

Faith leaders gathered Tuesday night, advocating for civil citations as opposed to arrests.

Memorial Day weekend marks one year since protests triggered by the death of George Floyd erupted in communities across the country, including here in Northeast Florida.

Tuesday marks one year since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Floyd’s death sparked a nationwide movement to change police tactics and increase accountability, but the movement has brought different results in different parts of the country.

Billy Wells, who earned the nickname “Monster of Mayport” after five bodies in varying states of decomposition were found in his Mayport mobile home in May 2003, was serving a life sentence at Florida State Prison when he killed again -- twice.

A Duval County grand jury indicted two men on first-degree murder charges in the 2019 shooting death of a bicyclist, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced Thursday.

An interfaith group of Jacksonville community leaders is celebrating a pledge from Sheriff Mike Williams, whom the group says has agreed to more discussions about how police respond to mental health crises and alternatives to arrests for minor crimes.

Duval County is now one step closer to implementing adult civil citations in place of arrests for some nonviolent crimes.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are seeking information about gunfire that erupted Sunday during a youth football jamboree at a Mandarin park, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday. The request for information came just hours before parents of youth football players met with the Mandarin Athletic Association to weigh whether the spring football season will be canceled. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to shots fired at Greenland Park, where there were about 500 players and fans gathered for youth football games. Parents like Brown would also be refunded the money they paid in advance for their child to participate in spring football. Earlier Tuesday, News4Jax learned that parents were also told Elite South Youth Football League wanted parks to be responsible for security.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” State Attorney Melissa Nelson explains what her office is doing to try to turn around the violent crime numbers in the Jacksonville area. State Rep. Angie Nixon speaks about her bill that would address medical marijuana accessibility. And Jacksonville City Councilman Dr. Ron Salem talks about his proposal to name the field at J.P. Small Park after Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Melissa Nelson begins her second term as state attorney for the 4th Circuit, Jacksonville is coming off a historically troubling year. There were 176 homicides reported in 2020, the highest number in at least the last 20 years, according to News4Jax records. But we recognize that intervention and prevention is probably even more important than that enforcement piece.”MORE: State Attorney on Jacksonville violence: Enforcement itself won’t fix underlying issuesEnforcement, Nelson said, has included a targeted approach for the areas of the city that are “suffering the most.” That has led to small successes, she added. Two parts of Nelson’s long-term strategic plan coming in 2021, she said, is an initiative related to enhancing support of crime victims and communication with them, as well as a cold case initiative. AdHer answers to those questions and more can be seen on This Week in Jacksonville, Sunday at 9 a.m. on Channel 4 and at noon on CW17.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the midst of heated and tumultuous elections across the nation, State Attorney Melissa Nelson quietly continued into her second term in the 4th Judicial Circuit. But many in Jacksonville are still worried about violence in their neighborhoods, especially after the 176 homicides reported in 2020 -- the highest in the last 20 years. Nelson said public safety and dealing with violence in the community is her office’s top priority. Toward that effort, Nelson’s office has also prioritized investing in technology, including a bullet tracing database and a Joint Crime Center. “As I have said many times before, we didn’t get here overnight, and we are not going to fix this overnight.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Providing new hope for local families whose loved ones have been killed, the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 4th Judicial Circuit has been awarded a $470,000 grant to take another look at cold cases. In the grant application, prosecutors said they identified more than 740 pending cold cases between 1995 and 2016. “Cold cases are challenging to investigate and rewarding to solve. To prioritize the cases, prosecutors have a scale based on solvability, so the cases with the most promising evidence will be looked at first. Ad“Yes, they’re cold cases.

They said it was his cousin is who told Fraser to call his father, a former deputy, who then told him to call 911. Dominic DJ Broadus was killed February 3, 2018, by Gardner Fraser in what he told deputies was self-defense. (Family photo)In a two-hour sentencing hearing, several of Broadus’ family members, including his father, mother and 13-year-old son, were visibly grieving as they delivered victim impact statements. The favoritism, that’s here,” said Anita “Baker” McGoogin, who co-organized protests supporting the Broadus family. Earlier this month, the Broadus’ family filed a lawsuit against Fraser with the Baker County Clerk of Courts seeking damages in excess of $30,000.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – State Attorney Melissa Nelson says she made a promise that there would be more transparency at her office, and it’s happening in digital form. It’s a dashboard that’s been developed over the last three years. Now, people can see patterns of prosecution by going to a website. Thirty-three prosecutorial performance indicators are measured to express the success of the prosecutor’s office, such as addressing serious crime, time management as well as racial and ethnic differences. When asked whether she believes it will give the public a greater sense of transparency from the prosecutor’s office, Nelson responded: “That is certainly the primary goal.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Department of Justice on Wednesday recognized State Attorney Melissa Nelson for her office’s support of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. According to the DOJ, Nelson made the initiative a priority immediately after she was sworn into office in 2017, becoming a driving force behind creating Northeast Florida’s first Crime Gun Intelligence Center. The center officially opened in May 2019 and Nelson worked to fully staff the center. “The success of Project Safe Neighborhoods in northeast Florida is directly attributable to her ability to galvanize her office, critical agencies and community partners around a common goal – creating safer communities,” the DOJ wrote in a news release. “Through this program, prosecutors regularly meet with students to improve relationships between the community, prosecutors, and law enforcement,” it stated.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a new federal lawsuit, a photographer claims she was arrested, handcuffed and struck in the head by an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office during the May 31 protests against police brutality in downtown Jacksonville. This is not the first lawsuit JSO has faced since the arrests of dozens of demonstrators over the course of two days of protests in May. In August, four of the demonstrators arrested during the protests were awarded $100,000 by a federal judge after alleging the sheriff’s office violated their first amendment rights. The Sheriffs Office said “JSO does not comment on litigation.”JSO did not answer our questions asking whether the officer accused of striking the woman was currently or ever under review or investigation. But JSO did say the officer named in the lawsuit, who allegedly struck the woman, is still a current employee of JSO.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s three top leaders addressed a surge in crime in the city on Tuesday. News4Jax sat down with Mayor Lenny Curry, State Attorney Melissa Nelson and Sheriff Mike Williams to ask about a violent trend. The Jacksonville leaders acknowledge the city is heading in the wrong direction and the numbers are extremely high and concerning. Investigators are also using crime technology through the gun intelligence center, gunshot detection software and community programs like Cure Violence. And that’s why leaders say they need to appeal to neighbors to speak up and report violence or red flags.

Melissa Nelson wants longer sentences for people convicted in gun crimesPublished: September 14, 2020, 7:03 pmMelissa Nelson, the state attorney for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, says she is fighting back against gun violence by seeking longer sentences for people convicted in gun crimes.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Melissa Nelson, the state attorney for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, says she is fighting back against gun violence by seeking longer sentences for people convicted in gun crimes. Ben Frazier, a community activist in Jacksonville, has been outspoken about gun violence. He released a statement about the checklist, which reads in part:“My one word response to this new policy is “hogwash.” The overarching issue here is how do we reduce gun violence? The state attorney doesn’t know if the change will help reduce crime but she wants it to be resource to help the community and help her office do their job effectively. Nelson hopes that it is a deterrent specifically to stop gun violence in the city.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The NAACP and other community groups will meet with State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and other city leaders during the next several weeks to discuss the associations demands for racial equality. Isaiah Rumlin, the president of the Jacksonville chapter of the NAACP, joined News4Jax anchor Jennifer Waugh on The Morning Show to talk about the organizations reaction to the decision by the state attorney and the sheriff to release body camera video of police shootings. RELATED: New policy on body camera footage in police shootingsNelson announced Monday, that Duval, Clay and Nassau counties will release footage from police shooting within 30 days, unless the state believes it will hinder a case. Watch Rumlins interview below for more on what the NAACP wants to see happen in the city:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s police union is weighing in on the decision by State Attorney Melissa Nelson to release body camera video from police shootings within 30 days. Community members are also talking about what they are seeing, particularly with a video released Tuesday that shows a knife-wielding woman stabbing an officer in April. It was the latest video released by the State Attorney’s Office, but six others are expected to be released in the near future. The quick release of the videos came about as a result of protests and meetings by various groups demanding change. He said they have always supported getting the videos out in a timely manner and this should give people a better perspective of police work.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Some community groups and social activists in Jacksonville say a move by the State Attorney’s Office to speed up the release of body camera footage in police shootings is groundbreaking. “We will continue with our boots on the ground campaign in that regard.”Others like Lauren Cepheus, vice president of the Black Commission — a local group working for policy change in the Black community — echoed that response. “Things are improving.”RELATED: Nelson issues new policy on body camera footage in police shootingsNews4Jax asked Sheriff Mike Williams if he has a timeline of when videos would be released. “So within 30 days, it will be released.”The sheriff says this is evolving and there could be changes. The community groups say they will be meeting later this month with Nelson and others to see how this is working and to discuss other issues.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Saying that swift and certain public release of body-camera footage is in the publics best interest, State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Tuesday announced changes to the policies involving videos of police shootings. Nelson said the State Attorneys Office for Duval Clay and Nassau counties will now approve the release of footage from police shootings within 30 days unless the state believes it will hinder a case. I think its a good policy, I think its thoughtful, I think its well researched, Nelson told News4Jax. Im really proud of the work of the assistant state attorneys in the office, whove been working really diligently on putting it together. The release of body camera footage has been a sore spot between the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and the State Attorneys Office since some JSO officers starting wearing the cameras at the end of 2018.

Many don’t believe it was a coincidence that it happened so close to election day. If you are Brad King, (the special prosecutor) appointed by the governor, why aren’t you having that conversation with the governor? “Let the governor exercise his constitutional right to remove a sheriff if the evidence is that strong. Make your prosecutorial decisions; make your decisions as a governor -- but mingling the two in the middle of an election is a rather unusual combination,” Falgatter said. And of course, if he loses the election, they don’t need to make that threat.

Three Republicans and one Democrat are running to be the next County Clerk of Circuit and County Court. I would like to be the Clerk remembered for modernizing the office and opening the doors to all the residents of Duval County. I also want to be sure the staff of the clerk's office reflects the diversity of Jacksonville. Fiscal Responsibility: The Clerk of Court is funded based on revenue received from all Clerk’s throughout the state. Advocating for appropriate funding levels and support for additional requirements placed on the Clerk of Court is critical.

Ron DeSantis has appointed a Central Florida state attorney as a special prosecutor to take over the investigation of Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels. She began a relationship with Daniels when she worked for him when they were both at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the affair continued after he was elected sheriff. A Clay County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told News4Jax earlier in the month that Daniels has no comment at this time. Daniels has been the subject of a state investigation into allegations of official misconduct since last year. At the time, an FDLE spokesperson acknowledged the state was initially provided information by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Daniels’ former employer and had since received additional information.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A second criminal investigation into former 4th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Matt Shirk has been closed. In August, 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Cervone was appointed to conduct the second criminal investigation into Shirk after an audit raised allegations of excess retirement benefits, misuse of government property, unauthorized disposal of government property and inappropriate seminar attendance. Accordingly, Cervone says he closed the case without filing any criminal charges. Last year, the Florida Ethics Commission fined Shirk $6,000 for what it said was egregious conduct while in office. Shirk served as public defender for one term that was marked by scandal, and in his re-election bid, was soundly defeated by Cofer.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – State Attorney Melissa Nelson is recusing herself from the investigation into Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, who’s been under scrutiny from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for more than a year. A Clay County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told News4Jax Thursday afternoon that Daniels has no comment at this time. “I’m still committed to the job that we do in Clay County,” the sheriff said at the time. Daniels has been the subject of a state investigation into allegations of official misconduct since last year. At the time, an FDLE spokesperson acknowledged the state was initially provided information by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Daniels’ former employer, and had since received additional information.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville pastor who was arrested last month while trying to mediate between police and demonstrators has filed a federal lawsuit — along with several arrested protesters — against Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and four police officers. The 23-page lawsuit filed Friday in federal court details what was happening during the peaceful protest May 31 in front of the Duval County Courthouse and how the protesters were treated by officers. READ: Full lawsuit embedded at bottom of this articleSmith was streaming on Facebook Live that day as Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers arrested her and other protesters whom police said resisted orders to clear the area surrounding the courthouse. They were told to leave the courthouse area, and the lawsuit alleges that is what they were doing when they were “indiscriminately” arrested. “In other words, even from the arresting officers’ accounts, the protesters were dispersed at the time of their arrests,” the lawsuit says.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Less than 100 miles south of Jacksonville, where people are demanding the release of body camera footage recorded by officers during police-involved shootings, Volusia County’s sheriff has shown success quickly making public such footage from his department. Deputy-involved shooting: 5/12/20 *WARNING: Contains video footage of a fatal shooting* Body camera and Air One video footage of this week’s deputy-involved shooting of an armed suspect in Deltona is provided here. even if it’s bad.”That’s been Chitwood’s philosophy on police-worn cameras since 2012, first as Daytona Beach Police Chief and now Volusia County sheriff. “Even when people had a complaint and they came in and viewed the body camera video and ... say, ‘Well, that’s not how I perceive what happened.‘”How does his department handle releasing body camera video that clearly shows his deputies violating police department standards and procedures? Chitwood said being transparent and releasing body camera footage goes a long way in putting credit in your bank account, so to speak.

A city council committee in Jacksonville will vote on a resolution to urge the State Attorneys Office and Jacksonville Sheriffs Office to release body camera footage. If the resolution is passed as is now, JSO may be required by law to release body camera footage. The resolution only calls for the timely release of body camera videos where police violence or misconduct is alleged. Of those four, only one officer was wearing a body camera. When the public records law was written, the law enforcement officers bill of rights was written, nobody even knew what body camera footage was.

As Jacksonville’s leaders face calls for police transparency, State Attorney Melissa Nelson is planning to change the way her office handles body camera footage in police shootings. On Monday, Nelson will appear on The Morning Show to discuss this topic. You can take part in that discussion by submitting questions to us using the form below. If your question is selected, our anchors will ask the state attorney about it. [Submit your questions below (app users click here)]

So, I was, like, ‘Well, show me the body video, body camera video.’ And he was, like, ‘No, you know, it’s an ongoing investigation,’” said Austin of her talks with the State Attorney’s Office. A News4Jax I-TEAM analysis of data from JSO’s Open Data page found, under Nelson, the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit is, on average, taking longer to review cases than the previous administration. Data show, under the previous state attorney, Angela Corey, on average, reports were released 226 days after the original incident. In a memo released Tuesday, the State Attorney’s Office admittedly said the process for handling officer-involved shootings changed when Nelson took office, specifically, it added more steps. The multiple levels of review that each OIS receives highlights the importance we attach to thorough, correct, and reliable opinions rendered in these cases,” stated the State Attorney’s Office memo.

During a special Jacksonville City Council meeting on Wednesday morning, members heard from the Jacksonville Sheriff, the State Attorney and the mayor about what is ahead. Also in that meeting, a new City Council social justice committee was announced. The Committee for Social Justice will be a clearinghouse to sort though the legislation expected to be filed to bring about change and equality for all. Those unfulfilled promises include a lack of sewer service and other infrastructure neglect in the core city of Jacksonville. In fact, City Council is now talking about something they’ve been avoiding for years — a tax increase to keep the promises.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson reviewing changes in how body camera footage of police-involved shootings is releasedIf you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

“In addition to reviewing our current practices, we are also working to create a policy related to BWC footage during an (officer-involved shooting) investigation,” the memo states. “Recently, the public has demanded the immediate release of BWC footage, prior to the conclusion of an (officer-involved shooting) investigation,” the memo states. As a result, moving forward, the SAO will determine the public release of BWC footage in (officer-involved shooting) incidents.”That could mean body camera video is released months sooner than in the past. It’s good for the community to see, good for it to be reported properly.”JSO launched its body camera pilot program in Nov. 2018. If it does, it would be the first body camera in a police shooting that could be cleared for release.

Griffin and a group of local Jacksonville pastors want more than just access to body camera video in incidents involving a Jacksonville police officer. They are calling for change within the structure of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. News4Jax asked a Sheriffs Office spokesperson about this request and was told a specific report like this was not readily available. Pastors also requested the Sheriffs Office implement programs to increase the number of black police officers, especially in the higher ranks of leadership.Sheriffs Office spokesperson Marlo Zarka said thats something the agency is already doing. Since Williams took over in 2015, hiring practices have increased for veterans and graduates of historically black colleges and universities," Zarka said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A Jacksonville pastor who was arrested last month while trying to mediate between demonstrators and police during a peaceful protest at the Duval County Courthouse will not face criminal charges. Smith was streaming on Facebook Live the afternoon of May 31 as Jacksonville Sheriffs officers arrested her and other protesters police said resisted orders to clear the area surrounding the courthouse. You did good.As police in riot gear approach the remaining crowd, Smith can be heard telling lingering protesters to go home and volunteering to clean up any litter left behind. As her Facebook Live video showed, she said, she was keeping the peace. My main purpose was to be able to maintain peace, Smith said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Florida state attorney Melissa Nelson said that the recent killing of George Floyd disturbed me to my core and vowed to continue protect those who protest peacefully in the hopes of bringing light to racial discrimination. Floyd, an African American, died on May 25 after being held down by a Minneapolis police officer. Like all of you, the recent killing of George Floyd shocked and angered me. As a prosecutor and a person, it disturbed me to my core. She added that those who use violence or destroy property will be held accountable for those actions.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Violent crime is still happening in the River City, despite much of the focus being on public safety with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Justice Coalition helps families impacted by crime by offering moral support and helping them navigate the court system. Tragically, violent crime is still being reported despite orders to stay at home and not gather in large groups because of COVID-19. It’s heartbreaking that they don’t get to do the vigil and things to honor their loved ones right now.”Manning's hope is for crime numbers and virus numbers go down. To learn more about the Justice Coalition, or to donate, click here.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville State Attorney Melissa Nelson on Wednesday officially launched her 2020 re-election campaign. “There is more work to be done and I am staying in the fight,” said Nelson in a media release. Nelson’s campaign to remain lead prosecutor for the Fourth Circuit of Duval, Clay and Nassau counties will be led by political consultant James Blair. Recently, Nelson was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse. She also serves on the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives National Gun Crime Intelligence Governing Board and the Florida Cold Case Advisory Commission.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Five people accused of selling opioids to victims who died of overdose deaths over the last 18 months are facing murder charges, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced Tuesday. Williams said that his deputies responded to 263 overdose deaths last year. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said the number of overdose calls in Jacksonville increased by 45% between 2018 and 2019. She said aggressive police work is being met with equally aggressive prosecution to try to stem the number of overdose deaths in the community. Every time you use illegal drugs, you’re taking your life in your hands.”

Standing in the background of Monday’s news conference was Tim Baker, a political consultant who worked on Mayor Lenny Curry’s campaigns and whose name was recently attached to the JEA saga. JEA has said that former CEO Aaron Zahn considered hiring Baker to help with a potential sale, that did not happen. Hughes, a political consultant before joining Curry’s staff, said he’s not concerned about the council investigation. “I have no concerns about the investigation because the investigation is to get information to inform public policy,” Hughes said in a statement to News4Jax. Her office has handed over its investigation of JEA to federal investigators.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Federal investigators will take over the investigation of issues connected to the privatization of JEA, State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced Monday. “After thorough review, the State Attorney’s Office has determined that the appropriate venue to continue this investigation is the federal justice system. We have referred our investigation to our federal partners, who will take the lead moving forward and have the full support of this office," Nelson wrote. Diamond said he feels there should be a City Council-led investigation so that the public can see what’s happening every step of the way. “I think we need to have a thorough City Council-led investigation out in the sunshine.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The chair of JEA’s board of directors would welcome an investigation by State Attorney Melissa Nelson’s office if that’s what it takes to get to the bottom of a doomed plan to explore a sale of the city-owned utility. “If the state attorney decides that she wants to pursue an investigation, we support that,” Board Chair April Green told a News4Jax reporter outside City Hall. “Our community deserves to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth when it comes (to JEA’s) entire ITN process,” said OurJax director Mike Hightower, a former JEA executive. JEA’s board was set to meet Tuesday to discuss if he should be fired with or without cause – the difference between letting him walk away with nearly $500,000 or nothing at all – but that meeting was postponed. “I’m a member of this community who has done nothing but try to contribute to the community that raised my children,” she said.

And a plan is in the works for City Council to get more control of JEA in the future. The JEA Board of Directors had called an emergency meeting for Tuesday to determine Zahn’s fate. I have not worked with Melissa on political matters for over 3 years and have no engagement with her should she run for re-election. Tim Baker, political consultantAlso Monday, City Council member Garrett Dennis said he wants to make changes to how the JEA Board of Directors is appointed. City Council has just as much of a vested interest in JEA as the executive branch does,” Dennis said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A special JEA Board of Directors meeting to talk about how much -- if any -- money should be paid to ousted JEA CEO Aaron Zahn has been postponed. JEA’s board had called a special meeting for Tuesday afternoon to discuss Zahn’s severance. The board is waiting on information from an investigation by the General Counsel’s Office looking into Zahn’s contract. At the Dec. 17 meeting where the board ousted Zahn, board chair April Green said she wanted Zahn to be fired with cause. News4Jax learned that State Attorney Melissa Nelson will not call a state grand jury to investigate the JEA sale and controversial bonus plan at this time.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville City Council member said Friday that a state grand jury won’t be looking into the mess at JEA, but the State Attorney’s Office is expected to issue a report on the problems at the city-owned utility. Councilman Matt Carlucci on Friday sat down with State Attorney Melissa Nelson for an hour and half to talk about where the investigation could go. Although it is possible a grand jury could investigate JEA down the road and the State Attorney has the ability to file criminal charges if any wrongdoing is found. That’s why Carlucci said he wanted a grand jury or some other investigation into the matter. “They need to fire Zahn with cause,” Zahn told Justice.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As of Monday, Jacksonville City attorneys and the JEA Board of Directors had not yet reached an agreement on what former CEO Aaron Zahn will walk away with as a settlement from his contract with the city-owned utility. City Council President Scott Wilson is looking to impanel a special City Council committee to investigate exactly what happened and what went wrong with JEA while it explored a possible sale. City Councilmember Rory Diamond, a former federal prosecutor, said he would be interested in heading up that special committee. As for the committee, Diamond said they need to know for sure what happened. But, he said, if the City Council were to investigate it would be out in the public.

Despite calls for a grand jury investigation of JEA and its just-removed CEO Aaron Zahn and State Attorney Melissa Nelson saying her office was looking into it, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said no one has asked his office about it. “We have not been contacted," Mayor Lenny Curry said Thursday. "Certainly, if they wanted us and asked to talk to us, we would comply and be helpful.”Asked if he was worried an investigation into JEA could shift focus onto him, Curry said no, adding that the JEA is an independent agency. The mayor said he never picked up a phone and asked board members to go one way or another. That now-canceled plan could have netted hundreds of millions of dollars for top executives of JEA if the utility was sold.

It’s a priority for us our office -- a priority of my administration.”The city is spending millions to combat the violence problem, including new programs like Cure Violence, ShotSpotter and other high-tech crime-fighting tools. Mayor Lenny Curry and Sheriff Mike Williams are putting a lot of faith in Cure Violence, which launched in June. The city’s coordinator of Cure Violence, Damian Cook, said they have seen progress in the targeted neighborhoods even though the number of violent crimes has gone up citywide. Jefferson said violent crime is occurring all over Jacksonville, not just in areas targeted by Cure Violence. Of the 11 homicides so far in November, six of them were east of the St. Johns River -- far from the city’s normal zones for violence.

A JSO crime scene unit van and detectives from several other agencies made their way Thursday morning to the scene in Marengo County. Police say human remains were found here during the search for 5 yr old Taylor Williams. Investigators are seen in a wooded area of Alabama where human remains were found in the search for Taylor Rose Williams. The Sheriff’s Office said Brianna Williams reported her daughter missing on Nov. 6 from a home on Ivy Street in the city’s Brentwood area. Sheriff Williams said Brianna Williams stopped cooperating Nov. 7.

Duval County jail records show Brianna Williams was booked in absentia on two counts of child neglect and giving false information to law enforcement during an investigation, and the three charges carry a total bond of $1.1 million. Hospital officials could not confirm that the person on the stretcher was Brianna Williams, due to privacy issues. IMAGES: Taylor Rose Williams | Alabama scene where remains were foundAt a 5:30 p.m. news conference, Sheriff Williams would not say what the lead was that led them to the discovery. "We will ensure justice is served for Taylor Williams." He said Brianna Williams was believed to have been driving her black 2017 Honda Accord, which has tinted windows and black rims.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson discusses a study that analyzes the connection between race, prosecution and the process of civil citations. Also UNF President Dr. David Syzmanski on the school's progress. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson discusses a study that analyzes the connection between race, prosecution and the process of civil citations. Also UNF President Dr. David Szymanski sits down with us.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson discusses a study that analyzes the connection between race, prosecution and the process of civil citations. Also UNF President Dr. David Syzmanski on the school's... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson discusses a study that analyzes the connection between race, prosecution and the process of civil citations. Also, UNF President Dr. David Syzmanski on the school's progress

The answer is yes.Sheriff Williams also spoke about Shot Spotter technology, which alerts officers to gunfire. Mayor Lenny Curry said the technology in use at the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) is helping get "serial trigger pullers and violent criminals off the streets." But not everyone thinks these initiatives are as making a difference when it comes to preventing and solving violent crime. By the time Shot Spotter notifies everybody on their side, they're gone," Denson said. "The Shot Spotter was there, so what did the Shot Spotter do?"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - State Attorney Melissa Nelson addressed a study on Monday that finds white people are receiving more diversion program opportunities and African Americans are getting more cases dismissed. "It confirms what prosecutors working hard every day believe, that they are not looking at the different decision points -- decisions based on race," Nelson said. According to the study, white defendants were more likely to receive custodial sentences for felony and property offenses. It found black defendants were more likely to receive custodial sentences for felony drug cases. The State Attorney's Office is looking at the standards for its diversion program.