ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – On Friday, State Attorney Andrew Bain released an annual report highlighting the office’s work over the past year since he took office. The report reflects the office’s recent achievements, current initiatives and future goals to protect the community from harm, and engage the community on crime prevention and intervention efforts.

Highlights from the report include:

• Thirty-one homicide cases went to trial over the past year with a 93% conviction rate, including 18 life sentences.

• Twenty sex crimes cases went to trial with an 80% conviction rate, including eight life sentences.

• The Violent Crimes Unit was established with five assistant state attorneys focusing solely on prosecuting violent, gang and gun crimes. The unit has taken seven cases to trial with an 85% conviction rate.

• Restaffing the office with experienced prosecutors and filling 99% of our 163 full-time prosecutorial positions.

• Increasing prosecutor starting salaries from $63,000 to $68,000 to help attract high-quality candidates.

• Collaborating with local partners on prevention programs to prevent and deter crime.

• Improving working relationships with law enforcement.

The full report can be found here and on our website at sao9th.com.