State panel investigates 2 Jacksonville prosecutors

justice wilinson

A Florida Bar panel is investigating two Jacksonville prosecutors for possible misconduct.

The Florida Times-Union reports the nine-member panel is reviewing complaints against assistant state attorneys Peter Overstreet and Erin Wolfson. They handled the case of a man who spent 19 months in jail despite questions about his guilt that were raised more than a year before he was released.

If the panel finds cause, The Florida Bar can file a formal complaint with the Florida Supreme Court. The justices could either dismiss the case or issue sanctions against the lawyers.

Jerome Hayes was charged with three armed robberies. He denied committing the crimes.

In September, Public Defender Mark Shirk asked the bar to investigate.

Attorney Hank Coxe, who represents the prosecutors, says they have done nothing wrong.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.

Associated Press



#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, William March, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Jesse Scheckner, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704