A federal indictment unsealed in Orlando, Florida, charges 11 individuals identified as members and associates of the Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and drug conspiracy offenses. The group is alleged to have operated both inside and outside the state’s prison system.
Court documents reveal that SMM-24K members allegedly used violence to enforce internal discipline and retaliate against those who broke gang rules. One incident described in the indictment involved a plot to kill a member for allegedly lying about the whereabouts of a rival’s family, resulting in a stabbing at DeSoto Correctional Institution. Another case involved an attempt to kill a member accused of stealing from the gang by stabbing him near the neck. The gang is also accused of trafficking methamphetamine and other drugs within Florida Department of Corrections facilities by using associates to smuggle substances into prisons.
“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.”
Investigators say SMM-24K maintained a “hit list” detailing information about targeted victims along with accusations against them. The indictment alleges that on January 17, 2023, defendant Tyrone Conaway directed other members at DeSoto Correctional Institution to murder an individual accused of lying and theft; less than two weeks later that person was stabbed inside the facility. On February 23, 2023, Terry Tillman allegedly tried to kill another member by stabbing him around the neck while Charlie Martin acted as lookout. Both incidents involved victims listed on the “hit list.” In April 2023, Hernando Thompson and Alvin James exchanged messages coordinating an attack on a rival gang member whose face was slashed at Apalachee East Correctional Institution; less than a month later that same individual was stabbed again after being transferred.
According to authorities, SMM-24K is affiliated with the Bloods gang—originally founded in Los Angeles during the early 1970s—and has expanded from New York into other regions including Florida where it operates both inside correctional institutions and outside.
If convicted on all counts related to racketeering conspiracy or drug conspiracy charges, defendants could face life imprisonment; convictions for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering carry penalties up to 20 years.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with assistance from several agencies including the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), FDOC Office of Inspector General, and Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell (Middle District of Florida) along with Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews (Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section) are prosecuting this case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
