Florida law enforcement officials held a news conference Monday on an investigation that dates back to 2021.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and representatives from
the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Florida Gang Investigators Association discussed the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang racketeering investigation.
On April 13, 2022, officials announced that a statewide, year-long investigation into the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang led to over 160 charges against 41 suspects, including racketeering charges with gang enhancements.
Law enforcement seized over $1.5 million worth of drugs, 18 firearms and $17,514 in cash during the operation.
In a 2022 news conference, FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said the gang operates across the country and “has been a thorn in the side of central Florida community for years.”
On Monday, the officials highlighted how cooperation between agencies and Florida’s “law and order” policies made the arrests possible.
“The conviction of gang leader Hernando Thompson is perfect example of Florida’s tough-on-crime criminal justice system at work,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “We hope to see him sentenced to life in prison for his orchestration of violent criminal gang activities.”
Uthmeier said Thompson, 36, the gang’s leader in Florida, is now facing five consecutive life sentences in Florida prison after his Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a conviction. He was found guilty in Polk County court on all five charges: racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and three counts of directing criminal gang activities.
Thompson is due to be sentenced on February 20.