Eleven alleged Sex Money Murder 24K gang members face federal indictment and racketeering charges in Florida for coordinated prison violence and drug trafficking

Federal authorities have unsealed a four-count indictment charging 11 individuals linked to the Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang in the Middle District of Florida.

The indictment alleges crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and drug trafficking.

According to court documents, the gang operated both inside and outside Florida’s prison system, orchestrating violence and coordinating criminal enterprises from behind bars.

Extreme Violence Inside Florida Prisons

The SMM-24K gang, a subset of the nationally recognized Bloods and the broader Sex Money Murder organization, allegedly enforced its rules with brutal efficiency.

Court records describe multiple incidents in which gang members attacked or attempted to kill fellow members over perceived violations.

For example, members conspired to murder one individual for allegedly lying about the whereabouts of a rival gang member’s family, resulting in a stabbing at the DeSoto Correctional Institution.

In another incident, a member accused of theft and deception was stabbed around the neck by fellow SMM-24K members.

These attacks were coordinated using a “hit list” that included victims’ names, locations, and reasons for targeting them.

Drug Trafficking Operations

SMM-24K members also profited from smuggling dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine, into Florida prisons.

Using outside associates and inmates as intermediaries, the gang allegedly maintained a sophisticated network to move narcotics into correctional facilities statewide.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized the scope of the criminal enterprise:

“As alleged, the Sex Money Murder 24K gang brutally enforced its purported rules and engaged in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation to move large quantities of dangerous drugs into Florida Department of Corrections facilities throughout the State.”

Coordinated Attacks and Hit Lists

Court documents provide detailed examples of the alleged planning and execution of violent crimes.

On January 17, 2023, Tyrone Conaway allegedly directed members at DeSoto Correctional Institution to attack a fellow member.

Less than two weeks later, the victim was stabbed.

On February 23, 2023, Terry Tillman allegedly attempted to kill another member while Charlie Martin acted as a lookout.

In April 2023, Hernando Thompson and Alvin James coordinated via text messages to attack a rival gang member at Apalachee East Correctional Institution.

That same individual was later stabbed at Liberty Correctional Institution.

These examples highlight the gang’s capacity to orchestrate violence across multiple facilities over extended periods.

Historical Context and Expansion

SMM-24K is an offshoot of the Bloods, originally formed in Los Angeles in the early 1970s.

Over the decades, SMM has expanded from the Bronx and New York to Florida and other East Coast states, maintaining a presence inside prisons while conducting criminal activities in the broader community.

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe noted, “Even from behind bars, this gang sought to expand their criminal enterprise through violence and illegal activities.”

The indictment is part of a broader effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle organized crime inside Florida’s correctional facilities.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, defendants face severe consequences, including life imprisonment for racketeering and drug conspiracy charges, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

The FBI led the investigation with support from the Florida Department of Corrections, its Office of the Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor emphasized the importance of joint efforts: “When we maximize impact, we disrupt the violence, and ultimately ensure our communities are safer.”

What’s Next?

The defendants are scheduled to face trial in the Middle District of Florida.

The indictment is only an allegation, and all 11 individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Federal prosecutors, including Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell, will present evidence during court proceedings.

Summary

Eleven alleged members of the SMM-24K gang have been indicted in Florida on charges including racketeering conspiracy, murder conspiracy, and drug trafficking.

The gang, a Bloods subset active in and out of prisons, allegedly used extreme violence to enforce rules and smuggled drugs into correctional facilities.

Coordinated attacks, hit lists, and sophisticated trafficking operations demonstrate the gang’s reach and organization.

Convictions could result in life sentences, and the case is being prosecuted with extensive federal and state law enforcement cooperation.