Resolution may be near in Jordan Valdez hit-run case

TAMPA — An attorney representing Jordan Valdez said Wednesday that the teen's fatal hit-and-run case is "pretty close" to being resolved.

Valdez, 17, did not appear in court. Neither did her primary attorney, Ty Trayner, who was busy with a trial.

Trayner's law partner, Ryan Sawdy, asked Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet Tharpe for another court hearing. Assistant State Attorney Michael Sinacore agreed that discussions are ongoing and a resolution is near.

Valdez is due back in court Oct. 1.

She has pleaded not guilty to an adult felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident with death. Authorities say she fled after hitting 33-year-old Melissa Sjostrom, a homeless woman who was crossing Hyde Park Avenue near the Davis Islands bridge.

Prosecutors have offered Valdez a sentence that doesn't include prison.

Colleen Jenkins can be reached at cjenkins@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3337.