Federal prosecutors in Orlando yesterday unsealed a four-count indictment that targets 11 people allegedly tied to the Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang, charging them with racketeering, attempted murder, and drug-trafficking crimes. The case accuses members and associates of running a coordinated criminal enterprise both inside Florida Department of Corrections facilities and on the street, directing violent retaliation and using outside helpers to smuggle methamphetamine into prisons. Prosecutors say the alleged scheme relied on a written list of targets and orders that were passed to inmates to carry out attacks.
In a press release, the Department of Justice said the indictment, returned in the Middle District of Florida, names alleged SMM-24K members and associates accused of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and drug-conspiracy offenses. The release outlines incidents from January through May 2023 at DeSoto, Apalachee East, and Liberty Correctional Institutions, and says defendants used text messages and other contacts to coordinate the attacks. Trial attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, along with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, are handling the case.
Indictment Lays Out Alleged Hit List And Prison Attacks
As Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva put it in the Justice Department announcement, “We will not rest until every criminal organization like SMM that wreaks havoc in our prison systems is dismantled.” The indictment describes a “hit list” and alleges that a January 17, 2023, order led to a stabbing at DeSoto Correctional Institution and that a February 23, 2023, incident left one person stabbed around the neck. Prosecutors also outline repeated slashing and stabbing attacks at Apalachee East Correctional Institution, along with a May 24, 2023, stabbing that allegedly occurred after a transfer to Liberty Correctional Institution.
Investigation And Local Context
The FBI’s Tampa Field Office led the investigation, with assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections, the FDOC Office of the Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, officials said during a press conference posted by FOX 35 Orlando. The federal case arrives as state and local agencies have stepped up probes into SMM affiliates across Florida. Local coverage has tracked prosecutions tied to that push, including a Polk County conviction reported by WFTV, and Spot On Florida later reposted the FOX 35 briefing online.
Charges, Penalties And What Comes Next
If convicted, the defendants face penalties that prosecutors say can include decades or life in federal prison for the racketeering and drug-conspiracy counts, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. The indictment was unsealed Friday in the Middle District of Florida, but it is only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. For the full indictment and the recorded briefing, see the Department of Justice release and the FOX 35 video.
