The State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit presented the 7th annual Daniel E. Watts Outstanding Law Enforcement Officers Awards on May 21 to recognize exceptional law enforcement work in agencies in Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.
Twelve awards were presented, including for Investigative Excellence, Bravery and K-9 Valor. Recipients were nominated and presented by prosecutors and staff of the State Attorney’s Office who worked with agencies on cases.
JSO Officer Jason Ingham and Detective Diane McLennon received the Investigative Excellence Award, presented by Assistant State Attorney Terence Martin, for their efforts in the investigation of Giovanni Johnson.
In April 2021, Johnson ambushed and raped a University of North Florida student at gunpoint in her apartment as she moved out. Ingham recalled a “Be on the Lookout” bulletin and stopped Johnson, who was riding the same scooter he fled the scene with the previous day.
McLennon followed up with investigative work that led to Johnson’s prosecution and conviction in 2024 led by Assistant State Attorneys Martin and Erin Wolfson. Johnson is serving life in prison.
The Citizen and Volunteer Partnership Award was presented to Brooke Curry, a high school student and daughter of former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, who was the victim of a generative artificial intelligence nude image of her.
Another student created and posted the image online, where it quickly spread.
The teen who created the image was arrested and prosecuted.
In the aftermath, Curry shared her story and became an advocate who worked with the state Legislature to enact “Brooke’s Law,” which forces websites to take down harmful images in a timely manner.
The Medal of Valor was presented posthumously to JSO Corrections Officer Brad McNew, accepted by his son, Liam, and wife, Elda.
In 2024, McNew was shot and killed while attempting to protect a woman while off duty at a North Jacksonville gas station.
Demaurea Grant was apprehended and is currently being prosecuted for first-degree murder in McNew’s death.
Visit tinyurl.com/ycyb78pa to view the complete list of recipients.