A federal indictment unsealed in Orlando charges 11 individuals, identified as members and associates of the Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang, with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, murder conspiracy, and drug trafficking offenses. The SMM-24K gang is alleged to have operated both inside and outside Florida’s prison system.
Court documents state that SMM-24K members engaged in violent acts against their own ranks for perceived breaches of gang rules. In one incident, a member was stabbed at DeSoto Correctional Institution after being accused of withholding information about the whereabouts of a rival gang member’s family. Another attack targeted a different member who was suspected of lying to and stealing from the group. The indictment also alleges that SMM-24K profited by trafficking drugs such as methamphetamine into Florida Department of Corrections facilities using outside associates.
“The crimes alleged in this indictment demonstrate the callousness and determination of the SMM-24K gang to perpetuate heinous acts in Florida’s prison system,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Even from behind bars, this gang sought to expand their criminal enterprise through violence and illegal activities. Thanks to the diligent investigation and cooperation by our federal, state, and local partners, a major drug trafficking operation was disrupted, and its members will be forced to account for their crimes.”
Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office said: “The FBI’s goal in crushing violent crime is to surge resources and partnerships, to build cases that cut into the capabilities of violent criminal networks, like Sex, Money, Murder 24K. When we maximize impact, we disrupt the violence, and ultimately ensure our communities are safer.”
According to prosecutors, SMM-24K maintained a “hit list” containing details about intended victims within correctional institutions. On January 17, 2023, defendant Tyrone Conaway allegedly ordered an attack on another member at DeSoto Correctional Institution; less than two weeks later that individual was stabbed inside the facility. Defendant Terry Tillman is accused of attempting to kill another member by stabbing them around the neck while Charlie Martin acted as lookout on February 23, 2023.
In April 2023, defendants Hernando Thompson and Alvin James allegedly coordinated via text messages an attack on a rival gang member at Apalachee East Correctional Institution; this individual was later attacked again at Liberty Correctional Institution.
The indictment describes SMM-24K as a subset of the Bloods gang that originated in Los Angeles during the early 1970s before spreading across various regions including New York and Florida. The document outlines an organized effort by SMM-24K members—both inmates and those outside—to orchestrate murders and facilitate drug trafficking within state prisons.
If convicted on these charges, defendants could face life imprisonment for racketeering or drug conspiracy offenses or up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit murder related to racketeering.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation leads the ongoing investigation with support from multiple agencies including the Florida Department of Corrections.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell for the Middle District of Florida along with Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.
An indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
