Jansen And Davis, P.A., In The News

First on CNN: DOJ officially decides not to charge Matt Gaetz in sex-trafficking probe

The Justice Department has informed lawyers for Rep. Matt Gaetz and multiple witnesses that it will not bring charges against the Florida Republican after a yearslong federal sex-trafficking investigation.

Drug trafficking charges against Gadsden County man dropped

Cocaine trafficking charges against Michael Hatten have just been dropped, Gadsden County court records show.

Twist in FSU missing comics caper: Some of the 5,000 stolen titles found in Strozier library

In a twist worthy of a super-hero yarn, attorneys for the Florida State library security guard accused of stealing and selling thousands of rare comic books say a handful of them never actually left the building.

Jansen & Davis, P.A., receives Honorable Mention in Tallahassee Magazine’s Best of Tallahassee poll for 2021

Our law firm is proud to have received an Honorable Mention in the 2021 Best of Tallahassee readers’ poll, conducted by Tallahassee Magazine and Rowland Publishing.

FSU security chief pleads not guilty to theft of nearly 5,000 comic books

The man charged with stealing nearly 5,000 comic books from the Florida State University libraries filed a plea of not guilty this week.

Lawyers for J.T. Burnette ask 11th Circuit to overturn conviction on corruption charges

The wealthy businessman’s lawyers filed their brief Wednesday laying out their arguments for reversal with the appellate court.

Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend testifies before federal grand jury

Gaetz is under investigation for sex trafficking a 17-year-old, obstructing justice and violating the Mann Act.

Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend testifies before grand jury investigating the Florida congressman

An ex-girlfriend of Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is seen as a key witness in the investigation into alleged sex trafficking by the Florida Republican, testified on Wednesday before a grand jury investigating the congressman.

Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend testifies to grand jury in sex trafficking probe

The development suggests the Department of Justice may be moving closer to indicting the Florida Republican.

J.T. Burnette gets 3 years in federal prison, $1.25M fine in City Hall public corruption case

John “J.T.” Burnette’s attorney immediately announced they would appeal his public corruption charges.

FSU Professor’s embezzlement conviction overturned on appeal

An FSU professor found guilty of embezzlement has his conviction thrown out on appeal.

Appeals court overturns embezzlement conviction for former FSU prof

A federal appeals court Wednesday reversed an embezzlement conviction and ordered the acquittal of a former Florida State University professor sentenced to prison last year.

Jury heads home for night in JT Burnette trial

Jansen’s reference to Maddox’s leaving the dais calls back to Maddox’s testimony about an April 2013 City Commission issue. Maddox said on the stand he “doesn’t really remember,” why he left the dais, but the records show he was indeed out of the room during that vote.

Corruption in City Hall: JT Burnette Trial Day 6

Defense Attorney Tim Jansen began cross-examination asking Miller about the training he received for undercover operations.

‘Greed’ or ‘Government overreach’? Prosecution and defense make opening statements in Burnette corruption trial

Day One of the JT Burnette trial consisted of jury selection and opening statements. Jury selection began around 9:00 a.m. Monday, wrapping up at 12:45 p.m. The jury has ten women and four men. Opening statements then began at 2:00 p.m. The prosecution’s opening statement lasted about 45 minutes, with Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Kunz speaking.

Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend is cooperating with federal investigation, report says

Matt Gaetz said he’s focused on socialism, not scandals, as federal authorities reportedly secured the cooperation of an ex-girlfriend in its investigation into alleged sex trafficking.

Gaetz ex-girlfriend feared alleged sex-trafficking victim taped call for feds

Matt Gaetz’s former girlfriend has told friends she’s worried that the woman who is key to the federal government’s sex-crimes investigation tried to get her to incriminate the Florida lawmaker on a recorded call.

Judge in J.T. Burnette trial sides with defense on articles involving alleged hotel bribe

Prosecutors in the federal public corruption trial of John “J.T.” Burnette were dealt a setback after a judge ruled against their request to exclude from evidence newspaper articles later linked to an alleged bribe to kill a downtown hotel deal.

FAMU settles long-standing lawsuit with fired head basketball coach Clemon Johnson

Former Florida A&M University head men’s basketball coach Clemon Johnson has reached a settlement with the university for $125,000, his lawyer Tim Jansen said.

Judge moves J.T. Burnette pay-to-play trial to 2021 over coronavirus concerns

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle decided to push back the tentative trial date for J.T. Burnette, one of ex-City Commissioner Scott Maddox’s co-defendants, until early next year.

Mark Rodin, former head of Seminole Productions at FSU, arrested in $1.2 million fraud case

Mark Rodin, the founder and former executive director of Seminole Productions at Florida State University, is facing charges he defrauded the university of $1.2 million.

Coronavirus prompts new delay in federal corruption trial of Tallahassee businessman J.T. Burnette

The corruption trial of Tallahassee businessman John “J.T.” Burnette — which has already seen a number of delays since his indictment nearly a year ago — has been pushed back again, this time because of the coronavirus crisis.

Secret FBI recordings, Fallschase part of legal fight in Tallahassee public corruption probe

Federal prosecutors and attorneys for businessman John “J.T.” Burnette, one of former City Commissioner Scott Maddox’s co-defendants, are at odds over whether dozens of secret FBI recordings and other evidence can be admitted at trial.

Felony Charges Widen the Scope and Increase the Stakes of Florida’s Fraud Case

Nine Florida football players stand accused of using stolen credit card information to buy items ranging from laptops to headphones to gummy worms. The players could potentially get much worse than the multiple felony charges each may face in the Sunshine State.

Domestic violence nonprofit’s pay scandal could send agency executives to jail

10 current and former members of the board of directors of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and two top executives had the opportunity to explain their actions to legislators as they attempted to avoid criminal charges stemming from allegations of financial abuse at the embattled publicly-funded agency.

‘It’s been a long journey for Coach Holmes and his family,’ said Holmes’s attorney, Tim Jansen.

A five-year legal battle between fired Florida A&M University head football coach Earl Holmes and his alma mater ended with a $400,000 settlement.

‘Trials are complicated and fluid in preparation and execution,’ Jansen said. ‘We are fully preparing for our April 20, 2020, trial.’

Former lobbyist Adam Corey takes new tech job in Amsterdam. Corey, along with a number of other prominent business people, was named in several federal subpoenas served on City Hall as part of the corruption probe starting in 2017.

‘It’s a train wreck’: Jansen, a former NFL agent, weighs-in on Taggart contract agreement, buyout

FSU officials said factors such as ticket sales, enrollment, sponsorships and even concessions contributed to the decision to part ways with head coach Willie Taggart.

‘He gets to feel the pain’: Wester arrest a righting of scales of justice for alleged victims

Erika Helms says her family members’ lives were upended by former Deputy Zachary Wester, who is under investigation for planting drugs on drivers.

Bail set at $149,500 for deputy nabbed in Jackson County drug planting case

A Leon County judge set a hefty bail for fired Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach Wester at his first appearance Thursday on dozens of charges connected to an investigation that accuses him of planting drugs on unsuspecting motorists.

J.T. Burnette’s lawyers ask judge to drop charges in public corruption case

Attorneys for John “J.T.” Burnette asked a federal judge to drop all charges against him, arguing they allege involvement with undercover FBI agents and their front company only and not other crimes allegedly carried out by his co-defendants, suspended City Commissioner Scott Maddox and his close friend Paige Carter-Smith.

Lawyer for J.T. Burnette and feds argue over ‘sensitive’ evidence in FBI corruption probe

Federal prosecutors and attorneys for J.T. Burnette, a businessman who was indicted last week in a long-running public corruption probe, are arguing over the production of evidence in the case, including dozens of recordings, some many hours long.

Tallahassee businessman J.T. Burnette indicted in FBI probe

Attorney Jansen, said after Burnette left the courthouse Thursday afternoon. “We’re going to trial and we’re going to trial June 17.”

J.T. Burnette indicted in FBI probe

J.T. Burnette, a Tallahassee businessman, smiles as he walks out of the Federal Courthouse after he was indicted in the FBI’s long-running public corruption probe Thursday, May 9, 2019.

Prolific Tallahassee businessman J.T. Burnette indicted in FBI corruption investigation

Jansen said Burnette travels often for work — he delayed a Thursday flight to Tuscon, Arizona, to make his court appearance — and the restrictions could impact his business. The court will decide later whether he can travel to Alaska for a family vacation or Alabama for his brother’s wedding.
Check out this gallery from Tallahassee Democrat​​​​!

Making the Deal

An extraordinary string of events led to a startling confession and solved the mystery of what happened to duck hunter Mike Williams. But how did that confession come to be?

The plea deal: Immunity for Brian Winchester cracked Mike Williams case

Way called it a “Christmas present” to Winchester, and said Jansen’s ability to get it was the best lawyering he’s seen in his 20-year career.

Larry Keefe confirmed as U.S. attorney for Northern District of Florida

Attorney Jansen who was a classmate of Keefe’s in law school comments on Keefe’s latest accomplishment, “I expect he will bring a unique and fresh perspective to the office and improve the mission of the Department of Justice,”

Defense Attorney Tim Janson on How He got the Immunity Deal for His Client Brian Winchester

Defense Attorney Tim Janson on How He got the Immunity Deal for His Client Brian Winchester in the Denise Williams Trial

Appellate court rules in favor of fired FAMU coaches Holmes, Johnson

Attorney Tim Jansen, who is representing Coach Clemon Johnson and Coach Earl Holmes who were fired from FAMU and seeking the remainder of their contracts. The cases will be heard separately.

The plea deal: Immunity for Brian Winchester cracked Mike Williams case

Brian Winchester shot his best friend in cold blood, but he likely won’t be punished by the criminal justice system for killing Mike Williams.

​Leon Judge Reverses Ruling on House Subpoena of Visit Florida Emeril TV Show Producer

A Leon County Circuit Court judge reversed her own previous ruling on Wednesday, barring the state House from receiving the remaining documents it subpoenaed from a Visit Florida contractor who got $12.7 million to produce a cooking show with chef Emeril Lagasse.

Reports: Ex-Florida football players Monty Grow, Shane Matthews handed prison time

Former Florida Gators defensive back Monty Grow, who played three years in the NFL, is facing up to 20 years in prison for a massive health care fraud scandal that included “swindling millions from a federal program that provides medical insurance for the U.S. military,”

Two Former Florida Football Players Convicted in Fraud Case

Former Florida linebacker Monty Grow was convicted on federal fraud, kickback and money laundering charges Monday in Miami and faces up to 20 years in prison.

​Producer of Visit Florida’s Emeril Show Netted $800k for Two Seasons, State Records Show

The TV producer of a cable cooking show pocketed $1.25 million of the $12.7 million he received from Visit Florida, and the show’s host, chef Emeril Lagasse, received $4 million, Tallahassee lawyer Tim Jansen said.

Tallahassee auctioneer gets $12,000 fine for ivory smuggling conviction

A Tallahassee auctioneer has been fined $12,000, or $2,000 for each misdemeanor count of illegally exporting elephant ivory he pleaded guilty to in federal court last month. Attorney Jansen represented Mason and was pleased with the outcome of the case.

Federal court confirms Florida House’s power to enforce subpoena in Visit Florida case​

A judge in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee denied a preliminary injunction to TV executive C. Patrick (Pat) Roberts on Friday, reaffirming the Florida House’s powers to enforce the subpoenas it issued last week as part of its investigation into Visit Florida’s tourism contracts.

Federal judge denies Chef Emeril’s TV producer’s request to stop House subpoena​

Attorney Jansen argued that “Only in their response to our lawsuit for an injunction did they finally concede that they will give meaningful opportunity to be heard on these subpoenas.” Jansen and co-counsel Adam Komisar argued that Roberts was in imminent danger of being arrested and having his civil rights violated after House Speaker Richard Corcoran threatened to fine Roberts up to $1,000 a day and put him in jail if he didn’t turn over the records.

Emeril TV producer fighting subpoena from Florida House

The House demanded last week that producer Pat Roberts and his company turn over records by Tuesday or risk hefty fines and even jail. Instead of complying, Roberts filed a lawsuit in federal court that contends his constitutional rights are being violated by the Republican-controlled House.

Brian Winchester Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Attorney Jansen pointed to statements made that day by both Winchester and Denise Williams that he did not intend to hurt her. Brian Winchester will spend 20 years in state prison for kidnapping his estranged wife at gunpoint last year.

Feds Charges Local Auctioneer with Illegally Exporting Elephant Ivory

Attorney Jansen comments on working out a solution rather than an indictment plea to misdemeanors. Jansen defended Mason as the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Mason with six counts of violating the Endangered Species Act by exporting carved ivory products overseas between June 2012 and November 2013.

Felony Charges Widen the Scope and Increase the Stakes of Florida’s Fraud Case​

Attorney Jensen comments on a recent issue with fraud-swindle and fraud-impersonation; nine players from the Florida Gators have been charged after having used stolen credit card information for personal use and charging multiple large purchases to the card.

Here’s The List of Defense Lawyers Penn State Handed Out To Its Football Players

As part of the announcement of its $2+MM fine against Penn State, the U.S. Department of Education released hundreds of pages documenting the many ways Penn State manipulated its crime stats. Penn State has a list of the top defense lawyers tied to their athletic department – and Timothy Jansen is on that list.

Alleged victim declines to press charges against Chris Leak

Attorney Tim Jansen defends former Florida Gators quarterback and ex-Edgewater High School coach Chris Leak. The defendant was accused of sexual misconduct by a 16-year-old girl, but she and her guardian decided not to press charges.

Tim Jansen Featured in 850 Business Magazine Article The feature, with the heading “On Top of His Game,” talks about Attorney Jansen’s extensive experience defending NFL players. He is a huge Florida Gators fan and is known for his defense of Jameis Winston, among others. The feature also touches on Jansen’s social and community involvements.

Student Conduct Hearings in a University Setting: Just or Unjust?

​Read Attorney R. Timothy Jansen’s published article in the Florida Bar Journal.

Miranda warning: Impact still strong 70 years later

Attorney Timothy Jansen was interviewed by Tallahassee Democrat regarding the Miranda Ruling of 1966 and how it benefited the Clark MacKendrick case (MacKendrick was his client), as well as every criminally accused individual since the ruling.

What Happens When a Player Gets Arrested? A Look into How the Legal Process Plays Out

In a Campus Rush article, Attorney Timothy Jansen explains the process that occurs between the time a football player is arrested and the conclusion of his case.

Attorney: Drop Murder Charges; Lawyers Call for Action

The Tallahassee Democrat details the latest news of the murder charges one man faces- published June 16, 2015.

The Athlete’s Go-To Attorney

Author Jennifer Portman of The Tallahassee Democrat details Attorney Tim Jansen in her feature The Athlete’s Go-To Attorney published December 16, 2013.

Florida’s Best Defender

Brooke Eubanks of The Odyssey online publication wrote Florida’s Best Defender, a feature story about Attorney Tim Jansen published in January 2014.

Jameis Winston Case

​Winston Not at University Disciplinary Hearing

Sean Rossman of The Tallahassee Democrat wrote
Winston Not at University Disciplinary Hearing. Attorney Tim Jansen represented Florida State star quarterback Jameis Winston in his sexual battery case.

Jameis Winston Returns to FSU Baseball After Completing Community Service Obligation

The Tallahassee Democrat reported that Jansen’s client, collegiate baseball and football star Jameis Winston, was returning to FSU’s baseball team after fulfilling his community service.

Dad: Family, Florida State Failed Jameis Winston

Rachel Axon of USA Today contributed to a story featured in The Tallahassee Democrat on Jameis Winston, Jansen’s client who faced sexual battery and other more minor allegations.

Winston Is Issued Petty Theft Citation, Suspended

In this Tallahassee Democrat article, reporter Sean Rossman reports on Jameis Winston’s petty theft citation and resulting suspension.

Police Defend Handling of Case

ESPN Article

Other Cases Handled

Woman Says She Blew the Whistle, Was Fired

Attorney Tim Jansen represents Brian J. Hennessy against his felony cocaine possession with intent to sell charge.

Surgeon Pleads No Contest

Tallahassee Attorney Tim Jansen represented a surgeon who pleaded no contest to charges of resisting arrest and leaving the scene of an accident.

Host Pleads in DUI Death

Tim Jansen stood by his client saying he never should have been charged. Bryan Norman Klein pleaded no contest to providing alcohol to minors. Initially, he was facing a manslaughter charge.

Two Former Officials at FAMU Face Theft Charges

The Tallahassee Democrat reports on two former Florida A&M University officials who were accused of theft. Attorney Tim Jansen represented one of the officials.

Former County Commissioner Competent to Stand Trial

Dan Winchester, former commissioner for Leon County, will stand trial for domestic violence. Attorney Tim Jansen will represent him.

No Charges for Former Havana Teacher in Case Involving Student

The state attorney’s office announced that they would not be filing formal charges against the former Havana Middle School teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with a student. The teacher was represented by Attorney Tim Jansen.

Family, Lawyer Shocked by Federal Officer’s Death

Attorney Tim Jansen represented federal corrections officer Ralph Hill. Hill faced charges of illegally shooting a federal agent.

Man Jailed on Drug Charges

The Tallahassee Democrat reported on recent arrests in the Tallahassee area, including three men arrested on drug charges.

Notable Artist Held in County Jail

Attorney Tim Jansen represented artist J.S.G. Boggs against allegations that Boggs possessed methamphetamines and paraphernalia as well as carrying a concealed weapon.

Feds Indict Suspect in Bombings at FAMU

Federal prosecutors indicted Lawrence Lombardi as a suspect in the bombings at FAMU. Lombardi is represented by Attorney Tim Jansen.