ORLANDO, Fla. — Eleven alleged members and associates of the Sex Money Murder 24K (SMM-24K) gang have been indicted in the Middle District of Florida on federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and large-scale drug trafficking inside Florida prisons.
Federal prosecutors unsealed a four-count indictment accusing the defendants of operating a violent criminal enterprise both inside and outside Florida Department of Corrections facilities.
According to court documents, SMM-24K — described as a subset of the nationally known Bloods gang — allegedly enforced its rules through extreme violence, including stabbing and attempted murders of its own members.
Alleged Prison “Hit List” and Coordinated Attacks
Investigators say gang leaders created a “hit list” identifying intended victims, their locations, and accusations against them.
One of the most serious allegations involves defendant Tyrone Conaway, 37, formerly of Fort Lauderdale, who is accused of directing fellow SMM-24K members at DeSoto Correctional Institution on January 17, 2023, to kill a gang member accused of lying to and stealing from the organization. Less than two weeks later, the targeted inmate was stabbed inside the facility.
On February 23, 2023, prosecutors allege that Terry Tillman, 38, of Orlando, attempted to kill another SMM member by stabbing him around the neck, while Charlie Martin, 28, of DeLand, allegedly acted as a lookout.
Authorities also allege that in April 2023, Hernando Thompson, 40, and Alvin James, 30, both of Orlando, coordinated via text messages to arrange the murder of a rival gang member. That inmate was attacked and had his face slashed at Apalachee East Correctional Institution. After being transferred to Liberty Correctional Institution, the same rival gang member was reportedly stabbed again on May 24, 2023.
Drug Trafficking Inside Florida Prisons
Federal authorities say the gang also operated a sophisticated drug trafficking network within Florida correctional facilities.
Court documents allege SMM-24K members used outside associates to smuggle narcotics — including methamphetamine — into state prisons, generating profits for the criminal enterprise.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the gang “brutally enforced its purported rules” while moving large quantities of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions across the state.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe added that the indictment demonstrates how the gang allegedly expanded its operations “even 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.
FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor stated that dismantling violent prison-based organizations remains a top priority for federal law enforcement.
Origins and Scope of the Organization
According to prosecutors, SMM-24K is a derivative of the Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s and later expanded from the Bronx throughout the East Coast, including Florida. Authorities allege that SMM-24K members orchestrated conspiracies to commit murder and distribute drugs within Florida Department of Corrections facilities as part of a broader racketeering enterprise.
Potential Penalties
If convicted:
- Defendants face up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy charges.
- Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering carries penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI is leading the investigation with assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections, the FDOC Office of Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell are prosecuting the case.
Federal officials emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
