State Panel Investigates 2 Jacksonville Prosecutors for Possible Misconduct

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

The Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/1NQqrRe ) 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.