Federal judge agrees that prosecutors built case against former JEA execs without protected statements
A federal judge has ruled that two separate juries will be seated for the upcoming trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher, due to how protected statements may be used during their defense.
Man receives 10 years for stealing millions from VyStar
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - When Duane Sikes first went before U.S. District Court Judge Brian Davis after pleading guilty to stealing millions from VyStar Credit Union, he faced a recommended sentence of up to 63 months in prison. I believe these boys, Davis said in the Federal Courthouse in Jacksonville on Monday afternoon. When the advances were rejected, Sikes would offer more money to get him to do what he wanted, the man testified. I want to move on.Sikes is also required to repay more than $5.2 million that he embezzled from VyStar Credit Union. After Davis handed down his judgment, Kent said the sentence was not reasonable and implied Sikes would file an appeal.
Study: White people receive more diversion program opportunities
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.