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State Attorney hoping new initiative will decrease Jacksonville gun violence

State Attorney Melissa Nelson is looking to curb gun violence in Jacksonville through a federal partnership.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - State Attorney Melissa Nelson is looking to curb gun violence in Jacksonville through a federal partnership.

The idea is to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law.

Nelson's office announced the partnership Thursday with ATF. There will now be a Special Agent from the ATF inside the State Attorney's office to review all firearm cases that Nelson's office handles.

"It's very distressing. It's distressing to our Mayor, it's distressing to our Sheriff, it's distressing to me," said Nelson.

Nelson is referring to the recent wave of gun violence in Jacksonville. which she said helped spur the new state and federal partnership.

According to Nelson, the on-site ATF agent will review firearm cases and look to see where they can press federal firearm charges against violent and career criminals.

Having an agent in the State Attorney's Office will help with communication between federal agencies and will make referral of cases quicker, she said.

"We believe that this is a relationship that will help us share information and hopefully help solve violent crime," said Nelson.

"I think that Miss Nelson is trying to take a strong position, that the illegal use of firearms and possession of firearms is not going to be tolerated," said Lysa Telzer, Senior Victim Advocate with the Justice Coalition.

A major focus will be on armed career criminals to ensure they face a federal minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, instead of the three years normally faced under Florida law.

Telzer appreciates the tougher stance, but believes punishments, like the mandatory minimum, need to be even tougher.

"Sometimes it's never enough; especially when you're a victim. Sentences, in most people's eyes, should be much harsher, but certainly the stronger we can get maybe will send a message out there," said Telzer.

Nelson said her office has already provided additional resources to their special prosecution unit to help support the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's violent crime initiatives, specifically fighting gang violence. She said this new collaboration is similar to what is done in Orlando and Tampa.

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