Jose Ortiz, 35, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary and violation of probation following a series of break-ins at churches in Districts 5 and 6 of Northwest Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Ortiz is responsible for at least eight separate incidents. His arrest came afterContinue Reading
The City of Jacksonville has partnered with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to become the first municipality to implement the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (F-ROC), a new system designed to streamline disaster-related cost recovery. Developed by FDEM, F-ROC simplifies and standardizes the Public Assistance process, enhancing Jacksonville’s abilityContinue Reading
The City of Jacksonville, The Arc Jacksonville, and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) have announced the launch of the Professional Animal Workers Certificate (PAWS) program, an initiative providing individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) with education and hands-on experience in animal care. The program was introduced at aContinue Reading
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Narcotics detectives and District 5 patrol officers conducted a major drug bust last week following a domestic dispute call on Thomas Street off McDuff Avenue South. Patrol officers arriving at the scene observed a large quantity of drugs in plain view and immediately contacted Narcotics detectives.Continue Reading
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has announced the arrest of Vincent Allen Wiley, 38, of Jacksonville, on charges of fentanyl trafficking and related offenses. The arrest follows an investigation by the Tri-County Narcotics Task Force, which led to the seizure of more than four pounds of fentanyl, overContinue Reading
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced that a Duval County jury found Richard Chase Jr. guilty of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Attempted Manslaughter with a Weapon, and Domestic Battery. With the verdict, Chase faces up to life in Florida State Prison and will serve a mandatory minimum of 30 years as aContinue Reading
A Duval County jury has found a Jessica Rennard guilty of Accessory After the Fact and Tampering with Evidence in the murder of her ex-boyfriend. State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced the verdict, and the defendant now faces up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Tatiana Salvador willContinue Reading
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) arrested 11 men in an undercover prostitution sting along the northern stretch of Philips Highway earlier this month. The suspects were attempting to solicit prostitutes but were unknowingly speaking to undercover detectives. Among those arrested was Gregory Hodge, who was already on federal probation for traffickingContinue Reading
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives have arrested 51-year-old Reginald Graves in connection with the death of Todd Taylor, also 51. On December 18, 2024, patrol officers discovered Taylor unresponsive on the sidewalk along Kings Road near Myrtle Avenue. Taylor was transported to a hospital, where he remained for three weeksContinue Reading
Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit are searching for more victims of Johan Portilla-Guzman, who was arrested over the weekend on charges of Organized Fraud. Portilla-Guzman, the owner of Pro-Remodeling, allegedly posed as a licensed contractor to deceive homeowners. Instead of completing the promised work, he isContinue Reading