An indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia, charging 30 individuals, identified as members and associates of the Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang, with various crimes. These include racketeering conspiracy, murder related to racketeering, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug trafficking offenses.
Court documents reveal that SMM members engaged in violent acts against their own for perceived violations of gang rules. Incidents included the killing of a member attempting to leave the gang and an attempted murder involving repeated stabbing over alleged homosexual activities while incarcerated. The gang profited from distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Savannah area and participated in fraudulent schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief programs, leading to intended losses exceeding $850,000.
Matthew Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated: “As alleged, the Sex Money Murder gang...brutally enforced its purported rules...engaged in rampant drug trafficking and federal program fraud to enrich themselves.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to dismantle such criminal organizations.
Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons remarked on the significance of this indictment: “Today’s indictment is an important step in ending gang violence on our streets and in our prisons.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown highlighted the impact of these crimes: “The violence and crime this gang committed across our region contributed to an epidemic in our nation.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka noted: “This case demonstrates...commitment among our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal enterprises like Sex Money Murder.”
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Hosey expressed commitment to accountability: “The GBI remains committed...to hold gang members accountable.”
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver discussed contraband cell phone use by inmates: “The use of contraband cell phones as a tool to carry out gang activity...will not be tolerated.”
According to court records from February 2020, Byron Hopkins and other SMM members allegedly killed a young victim who wished to leave the gang. This incident exemplifies SMM's lethal enforcement against dissent within its ranks.
SMM is described as a subset of The Bloods gang originating from Los Angeles. It has expanded across the East Coast into Georgia's communities and correctional facilities. Allegations include orchestrating murders, robberies, drug trafficking inside and outside prison walls.
If convicted, defendants face severe penalties including life imprisonment or death for murder-related charges; up to life for racketeering conspiracy; 30 years for wire fraud conspiracy; 20 years for conspiracy related to murder aiding racketeering.
Multiple agencies are involved in investigating this case including FBI, ATF, U.S. Department of Labor among others. Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Pennington III are prosecuting under OCDETF investigations aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations threatening national security.
It is crucial to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
