By Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 22, 2026
Eleven Alleged Gang Members Indicted in Florida on Racketeering, Murder Conspiracy, and Drug Trafficking Charges
ORLANDO, Fla. — Federal prosecutors have unsealed a sweeping indictment charging 11 alleged members and associates of the Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang with a series of violent and organized crimes across Florida, including racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and drug trafficking offenses.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the gang allegedly operated both inside and outside Florida’s prison system, orchestrating violent retaliation attacks and coordinating the smuggling of illegal drugs into correctional institutions.
Allegations of Violence Inside Florida Prisons
Court documents allege that members of SMM-24K engaged in extreme acts of violence to enforce gang rules and retaliate against perceived disloyalty.
Prosecutors say the gang conspired to murder fellow members accused of lying, stealing, or violating gang expectations. In one instance, an SMM-24K member was allegedly stabbed inside DeSoto Correctional Institution after being accused of withholding information about a rival gang member’s family.
Investigators say the violence escalated through multiple coordinated attacks across different prisons. Among the incidents detailed in court filings:
- January 17, 2023: Tyrone Conaway, 37, formerly of Fort Lauderdale, allegedly directed gang members at DeSoto Correctional Institution to kill another member accused of stealing from the gang. The victim was stabbed less than two weeks later.
- February 23, 2023: Terry Tillman, 38, of Orlando, allegedly attempted to kill another SMM member by stabbing him around the neck, while Charlie Martin, 28, of Deland, allegedly acted as a lookout.
- April 2023: Hernando Thompson, 40, and Alvin James, 30, both of Orlando, allegedly coordinated via text messages to arrange the murder of a rival gang member. That victim’s face was slashed at Apalachee East Correctional Institution.
- May 24, 2023: The same rival gang member was reportedly stabbed again after being transferred to Liberty Correctional Institution.
Authorities say the gang even maintained a “hit list” containing identifying details and accusations against intended targets.
Drug Trafficking Operation Inside FDOC Facilities
Federal prosecutors also allege that SMM-24K members profited by trafficking large quantities of drugs inside Florida Department of Corrections facilities, using outside associates to smuggle substances including methamphetamine into prisons.
Officials say the enterprise demonstrated the gang’s ability to coordinate criminal activity even while members were incarcerated.
Federal Officials Speak on the Case
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said the indictment highlights the gang’s determination to continue violent operations from behind bars.
“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,” Kehoe said. “Even from behind bars, this gang sought to expand their criminal enterprise through violence and illegal activities.”
FBI Tampa Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor added that dismantling violent criminal networks remains a priority.
“When we maximize impact, we disrupt the violence and ultimately ensure our communities are safer,” Fodor said.
Background on the SMM-24K Gang
According to investigators, SMM-24K is a subset of the Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM faction later expanded from New York to several East Coast states, including Florida, where it allegedly operates within prisons and in surrounding communities.
The indictment outlines what prosecutors describe as an extensive criminal enterprise involving coordinated acts of violence and organized drug trafficking tied to the gang’s leadership and associates.
Potential Penalties and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison for racketeering and drug conspiracy charges, along with up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
The investigation is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections, the FDOC Office of the Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Federal prosecutors Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell, along with Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the DOJ’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, are handling the case.
Officials emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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