{"id":21715,"date":"2022-04-13T17:24:32","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T21:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=21715"},"modified":"2022-04-13T17:24:44","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T21:24:44","slug":"polk-county-sheriffs-office-coordinates-multi-agency-year-long-sex-money-murder-gang-racketeering-investigation-41-charged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2022\/04\/13\/polk-county-sheriffs-office-coordinates-multi-agency-year-long-sex-money-murder-gang-racketeering-investigation-41-charged\/","title":{"rendered":"Polk County Sheriff\u2019s Office coordinates multi-agency year-long \u201cSex Money Murder\u201d gang racketeering investigation; 41 charged"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detectives with the PCSO Organized Crime Unit, working together with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Florida Attorney General\u2019s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ashley Moody, Attorney General, conducted a comprehensive Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act investigation that resulted in 41 members and associates of the \u201cSex Money Murder\u201d criminal gang enterprise being arrested or charged. The investigation was initiated in March of 2021 when, based on information obtained from historical on-going criminal investigations, detectives uncovered an extensive criminal network associated with the Sex Money Murder gang.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=314&#038;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpolkcountysheriff%2Fvideos%2F1131794777607146%2F&#038;show_text=false&#038;width=560&#038;t=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"314\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowFullScreen=\"true\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Out of the 41 identified during the investigation, 12 are charged with racketeering (see Florida Statutes Chapter 895 Florida RICO\u2014Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization\u2014Act) for their role in directing members in organized criminal activity, such as illegal drug sales, robberies, introduction of contraband into prisons, conspiracy to commit murder, and coordinated attacks on other gang members. The RICO charges are first degree felonies punishable as a life felony based upon specific provisions in FSS 874.04 (Gang-related offenses; enhanced penalties). In some cases, criminal gang members were in the Florida state prison system or in the county jail conducting and coordinating gang business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/org-chart-for-j-gonzalez-rev-4-13-22-gold-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21716\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 41 suspects are charged with a total of 121 felonies and 40 misdemeanors. The suspects\u2019 previous criminal histories include 1,147 felonies, 161 misdemeanors, and 205 felony convictions; an average of 28 felonies, 4 misdemeanors, and 5 felony convictions&nbsp;<strong><em>each<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cAll you need to know about this gang is in its title: Sex Money Murder. We are not going to put up with these gangs brazenly coordinating and committing crimes in our communities. They are an organized criminal enterprise, ruthlessly focused on violence, theft, fraud, and profiting from the human misery and violence of the illegal drug trade. Our message to other gang members in Polk County and throughout Florida: don\u2019t throw your life away on gangs. If you do, we will catch you, and you will go to prison for a long, long time.\u201d<\/em><strong>&nbsp;\u2013Grady Judd, Sheriff<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/associates-24-x-36-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/associates-24-x-36-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/associates-24-x-36-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/associates-24-x-36-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/associates-24-x-36-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/associates-24-x-36-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Attorney General Ashley Moody<\/strong>&nbsp;said,&nbsp;<em>\u201cThis massive law enforcement operation eliminated the main state leadership of a notorious, nationwide gang operating across Florida. Our law enforcement heroes put in countless hours and risked their own safety to take down gangsters who demonstrated a complete lack of respect for human life. Because of these officers and my Statewide Prosecutors, we are all safer, and their actions will have far-reaching, positive implications on communities across the state.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cFDC is proud to work in concert with our law enforcement partners as part of our of public safety mission,\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;said&nbsp;<strong>FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon.<\/strong><em>\u201cThis partnership represents an ongoing effort and our commitment to identifying and preventing criminal activity from occurring within our walls. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for those entrusted to our care and furthering public safety for all Floridians.\u201d<br><br><\/em><strong>FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen<\/strong>&nbsp;said,<em>&nbsp;\u201cMeticulous investigative work led to the identification of local and statewide gang leadership ensuring this Blood-affiliated criminal gang can no longer terrorize our communities.&nbsp; Thank you to our FDLE agents, Polk County Sheriff\u2019s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution for making Florida safer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rXMkORZcmf0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigation has been able to identify the ranking structure and numerous members of the gang, operating both inside and outside of prison and in the county jail, in Polk County, in various other areas of the state of Florida, and in North Carolina. Detectives uncovered multiple instances of coordinating crimes, directing and coordinating gang activities, recruitment of new gang members, discussing bond payments, and gang financing, including setting and collecting gang dues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/collage-24-x-36.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21718\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detectives served six search warrants throughout the investigation in Lakeland (2), Winter Haven, Mount Dora, Orlando, and Lake City.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Illegal drugs, firearms, and currency seized:<br>\u2022 21.45 Pounds of Methamphetamine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 2,595 grams of cocaine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 3,051 grams of cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 249 grams of MDMA&nbsp;<br>\u2022 719 grams of Synthetic Cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 7.86 grams of Fentanyl (one gram can kill hundreds)&nbsp;<br>\u2022 28 grams of Mushrooms&nbsp;<br>\u2022 8 grams of Alprazolam&nbsp;<br>\u2022 52 grams of Oxycodone&nbsp;<br>\u2022 1846 grams of Promethazine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 18 firearms<br>\u2022 $17,514.00 in US currency<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $1.5 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/gang-arrests-24-x-36-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/gang-arrests-24-x-36-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/gang-arrests-24-x-36-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/gang-arrests-24-x-36-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/gang-arrests-24-x-36-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/gang-arrests-24-x-36-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two suspects have warrants for their arrests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hernando Thompson, Jr., 36, of Orlando<\/strong>&nbsp;has a Polk County warrant for his arrest for Racketeering (F1), Conspiracy to Racketeer (F1), Directing Criminal Gang Activity (F1) (3 counts). Thompson is the Sex Money Murder gang leader of Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Xavier Ulysse, 27, of Lake Wales<\/strong>&nbsp;has a Polk County warrant for his arrest for Conspiracy to Commit Murder (F1).&nbsp; He attempted to arrange the murder of a gang member who robbed one of the leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sex Money Murder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Sex Money Murder gang is a criminal gang which became a subset of The United Blood Nation. The gang was founded by Peter \u201cPistol Pete\u201d Rollock, who is revered as the \u201cGodfather\u201d of the criminal gang\u2014he is currently serving life in federal prison. The Sex Money Murder gang\u2019s primary focus was initially street-level drug dealing, aggravated assaults, and murders to further their criminal organization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As members of Sex Money Murder were arrested and incarcerated, they indoctrinated new members from other regions into the gang who were also in prison. This enabled the gang to spread throughout the east coast and into central Florida as more and more prisoners became members and then were released from prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the current investigation, in late 2018 and into 2019 and 2020, Polk County, and neighboring counties within the state of Florida began to experience a string of home invasion robberies and other violent and property crimes associated with members of the Sex Money Murder gang.&nbsp; Based on information developed by detectives, a wire investigation was initiated of the identified secretary of Polk County for the Sex Money Murder criminal gang, Cerenia Mixon.&nbsp; This ultimately allowed for the monitoring of communications for the leader of Polk County, Andree Romeus.&nbsp; Information obtained from monitoring those communications ultimately allowed for the monitoring of communications associated with the number one and number two ranking members for the State of Florida, Hernando Thompson and James Roundtree.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Communications were often heavily coded in an attempt to thwart any efforts to monitor criminal activity.&nbsp; Subsequently, detectives were able to identify a vast network of communications by the Sex Money Murder gang ranging from the street to within various prisons around Florida.&nbsp; Detectives worked with the Florida Department of Corrections to identify inmates and confirm gang affiliations while monitoring communications where instruction and direction was provided from leadership both within the prison and from the leadership on the street on how the gang should operate.&nbsp; Communications also revealed discussions on physical attacks on members in bad standing and an attempt to kill a gang member.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/map-32-x-40.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21721\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Florida (FSS Chapter 895 Sections 895.01-895.06), a racketeering offense (RICO) occurs when an unlawful organization commits or attempts\/solicits\/conspires to commit coordinated illegal activities such as murder, money laundering, embezzlement, extortion, weapons offenses, burglary, theft, bribery, and other crimes. In Florida, RICO is charged as a first-degree felony and it can result in 30 years imprisonment and significant monetary fines. In cases related to organized gang crimes in Florida, according to Florida Statute 874.04\u2014Gang-related offenses; enhanced penalties\u2014first-degree felonies can be enhanced to a life felony, meaning for RICO gang crimes the sentence can be up to life in prison upon conviction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) was designed to prosecute individuals engaging in organized crime. A person can be charged with racketeering if they engage in a pattern of racketeering\u2014such as committing at least two racketeering activities within a ten year period.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The following is a list of those arrested, the circumstances of their arrests, and details of the six search warrants, in chronological order:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>May 31, 2019. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Quandavize Street, 24, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Attempted first degree murder<br>\u2022 Robbery with a firearm (3 counts)<br>\u2022 Armed burglary with assault<br>\u2022 Shooting into an occupied vehicle<br>\u2022 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon<br>\u2022 Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon<br>\u2022 Introduction of contraband into a jail facility<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>July 1, 2019. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Artavious Smith, 21, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Attempted first degree murder<br>\u2022 Robbery with a firearm (2 counts)<br>\u2022 Armed burglary with battery<br>\u2022 Shooting into an occupied vehicle<br>\u2022 Possession of a firearm by a delinquent<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>August 6, 2019. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Jaquel Fleming, 25, of Auburndale<\/strong><br>\u2022 Armed burglary with battery<br>\u2022 Burglary&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon<br>\u2022 Resisting arrest&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage<br>\u2022 Fleeing to elude<br>\u2022 Fleeing to elude \u2013 reckless driving<br>\u2022 Knowingly driving with a suspended license<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undercover operation at 425 Van Fleet Dr. E., Bartow, July 21, 2021. 719 grams of synthetic marijuana was seized. Four arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Marcus Mitchell, 19, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Unlawful use of a two way communication device&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to intro contraband into receiving facility&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Trafficking synthetic cannabis&nbsp;<br><strong>Telly Nance, 34, of Bartow<\/strong><br>\u2022 Unlawful use of a two way communication device&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to intro contraband into receiving facility&nbsp;<br>Deondre Powell, 25, of Lakeland&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Trafficking synthetic cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Unlawful use of a two way communication device&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A male juvenile<strong>*<\/strong>&nbsp;was also arrested for possession of marijuana.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Search warrant at 3625 Kathleen Rd Lot #7, Lakeland, September 24, 2021. Over 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 8 grams of alprazolam, 52 grams of oxycodone, and 1,712 grams of Promethazine were seized. Four arrested:<br>Dashawn Bather, 25, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Violation of probation<br><strong>Laconia Blake, 31, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Trafficking Oxycodone&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of alprazolam with intent to sell&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of MDMA&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a structure\/vehicle to sell narcotics&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br><strong>Antoine Cruz, 25, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of alprazolam with intent to sell&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a structure sell narcotics&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br><strong>Destiny Daniels, 28, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Trafficking Oxycodone&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of structure\/vehicle to sell narcotics&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>October 5, 2021. Two arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Daniel Jackson, 29, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cocaine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Aggravated assault on law enforcement (2 counts)&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer<br>\u2022 Resisting arrest with violence&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Resisting arrest&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><strong>Crameshia Jackson*, 26, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Resisting officer without violence&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>October 12, 2021. Over 367 grams of methamphetamine; 160 grams of MDMA pills, 15 grams of marijuana, and one handgun seized. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Dornell Anglin, 26, of Haines City<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis with the intent to sale&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Tampering with physical evidence&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Resisting arrest&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Fleeing to elude&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undercover operation at 2000 S.R. 60 E., Lake Wales, October 12, 2021. Over 112 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun, and $2,790 seized. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Jamarr Cole*, 37, of Lake Wales<\/strong><br>\u2022 Armed trafficking in Methamphetamine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Grand theft firearm&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Carry concealed firearm&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Unlawful use of a two way communication device&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undercover operation at 131 Scottsdale Loop, Lakeland, October 13, 2021. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Jasmine Weber, 28, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Defraud financial institution&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Fraudulent use of credit card&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Petit theft&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Criminal use of personal ID&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Flagler County, October 24, 2021. Two firearms seized (one previously reported stolen. Two arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Maclindell Hardy, 29, of Fayetteville, NC<\/strong><br>\u2022 Grand theft of a firearm<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis 20 grams or less<br>\u2022 No valid DL<br><strong>Jonathan Fleming, 33, of Wilson, NC<\/strong><br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Carrying a concealed firearm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fleming, the leader of the North Carolina Sex Money Murder gang was in Florida attending a mandatory national meeting for the illegal enterprise. The gathering occurred in Osceola County.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undercover operation at 1035 Reynolds Rd., Lakeland, December 9, 2021. 0.66 grams of fentanyl seized (one gram can kill hundreds). One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Carlos Mercado*, 24, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Sale of fentanyl&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Negligent child abuse&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Unlawful use of a two way communication device&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undercover operation near the intersection of Reynolds Rd and Ned Engle Blvd., Lakeland, January 4, 2022. Over 7 grams of fentanyl (one gram can kill hundreds), 37 grams of marijuana, and a handgun seized. Two arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Demarrius Faniel*, 30, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis over 20 grams&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis WITS&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Violation of probation&nbsp;<br><strong>Anteria Bell*, 28, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Trafficking in fentanyl&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis over 20 grams&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis WITS&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of structure to traffic narcotics&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Knowingly driving with a suspended license&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Search warrant at 2461 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven, January 7, 2022. Over 90 grams of MDMA, 28 grams of mushrooms, 134 grams of promethazine, 3 grams of methamphetamine, and 249 grams of marijuana were seized. Three arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Danyell Coggins, 47, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of methamphetamine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br><strong>John Davis, 40, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Trafficking phenethylamine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of methamphetamine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cocaine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of heroin&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession cannabis over 20 grams&nbsp;<br><strong>Wandy Noel, 30, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Knowingly DWLSR&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Assisted FDOC Probation and Parole Services with a routine probation check at 3655 Peregrine Way, Lakeland, January 31, 2022. Three arrested:&nbsp;<\/strong><br><strong>Horatio Walker, 24, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Tampering with a Witness (gang enhanced)<br>\u2022 Violation of probation&nbsp;<br><strong>Raquan Thompson*, 22, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br><strong>Tyreke Thompson*, 20, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cocaine&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Resisting without violence&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Violation of probation&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>February 3, 2022. Two arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Kayshia Jenkins*, 35, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of suspended driver\u2019s license&nbsp;<br><strong>Kalaysha Wilson, 22, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Violation of probation&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undercover operation at 1502 Recker Highway, Winter Haven, February 1, 2022. Over 40 grams of marijuana seized. One arrested:&nbsp;<\/strong><br><strong>Andree Romeus, 30, of Winter Haven<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Directing Criminal Gang Activity (3 counts)<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis over 20 grams&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis WITS&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of drug paraphernalia&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of a structure to sell narcotics&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Knowingly driving with a suspended license&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>March 10, 2022. Over 30 grams of marijuana and $4000 seized. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Leroy Scarlett, 29, of Bartow<\/strong><br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis over 20 grams&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of cannabis WITS&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Possession of paraphernalia&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Search warrant at 975 Hyde Park Blvd #201, Lakeland, April 8, 2022. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Cerenia Mixon, 22, of Lakeland<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Directing Criminal Gang Activity (2 counts)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Search warrant at 416 E. Pine Ave, Mount Dora, April 8, 2022Over 512 grams of cocaine, 485 grams of marijuana, and 3 firearms (one was stolen) were seized. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>Tonisha Fisher, 36, of Mount Dora<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Search warrant at 4407 Sugar Loaf Way, Orlando, April 8, 2022. Over 1,535 grams of marijuana and one fully automatic handgun were seized.<br><\/strong><br>Based on the search of this location and other information obtained during the investigation, a Polk County warrant was obtained for the arrest of&nbsp;<strong>Hernando Thompson<\/strong>, the Florida leader of the \u201cSex Money Murder\u201d gang.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Search warrant at 158 SW Magical Ter., Lake City, April 8, 2022. Over 2,080 grams of cocaine, 901 grams of marijuana, one handgun, two rifles, ballistic body armor, and $10,687 were seized. One arrested:<\/strong><br><strong>James Roundtree, 33, of Lake City<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Directing Criminal Gang Activity (3 counts)<br>Roundtree was on probation at the time of his arrest for selling cocaine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>In custody when charged:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Donahue Stephenson, 33, currently incarcerated at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Directing Criminal Gang Activity&nbsp;<br><strong>Tyreese Cruz, 24, currently incarcerated at the Central Florida Reception Center<\/strong><br>\u2022 Racketeering<br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Directing Criminal Gang Activity (2 counts)<br><strong>Deshon Morris, 26, currently in the Polk County Jail<\/strong><br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br><strong>Rodney Street, Jr., 25, currently in the Polk County Jail<\/strong><br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br><strong>Antonio Taylor, 30, currently incarcerated in the Jackson Correctional Institution<\/strong><br>\u2022 Conspiracy to Racketeer<br>\u2022 Directing Criminal Gang Activity (4 counts)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Detectives with the PCSO Organized Crime Unit, working together with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Florida Attorney General\u2019s Office of&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21716,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"wpai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"dois","default_image_id":71799,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[12,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local","category-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21715"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21715\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}