WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – On Monday, Florida authorities revealed the conviction of the leading figure of the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang within the state. This marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation into a violent criminal syndicate, which spanned several years.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, standing alongside Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and other state leaders, announced the success of the operation, which effectively dismantled the gang’s command structure in Florida. This group operates as a faction of the notorious Bloods gang.
“If you’re considering engaging in violent, gang-related activities, think twice before bringing that to Florida,” Judd firmly stated. “And above all, avoid Polk County. Are you out of your mind?”
The convicted individual, Hernando Thompson, also known as T. Murda, faced 17 felony charges, including racketeering and conspiracy. He is now looking at the possibility of up to five life sentences.
During a Monday morning press briefing, Sheriff Judd and Attorney General Uthmeier disclosed the arrest of Hernando Thompson Jr., highlighting his role as the leader of the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)
Prosecutors unveiled that Thompson orchestrated various criminal activities, such as robberies, drug trafficking, shootings, and attempted murders, all while maintaining a level of detachment to shield himself from direct involvement.
“He managed it like a business crime syndicate,” Uthmeier said. “This was a bad dude, a violent guy, and we’re going to do what needs to be done to protect our communities at all costs.”
Investigators said that the case relied on a court-authorized wiretap that intercepted more than 4,700 communications discussing criminal activity, along with search warrants that led to the seizures of firearms, ballistic armor and roughly $1.5 million worth of drugs.
Hernando Thompson Jr. was arrested following a wiretap investigation, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a Monday news conference in Winter Haven, Florida. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials also discussed violent incidents during the investigations, including when gang members allegedly pointed guns at young children during home invasions, including an 8-year-old and a 3-month-old infant.
“The only reason the victim wasn’t murdered is that he got away in the middle of the night,” Judd said. “We locked him up on other charges to keep him alive until the investigation was complete.”
During the news conference on Monday, Jan. 1, Florida state officials and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office discussed the dismantling of the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)
During the news conference, Judd displayed boards showing the suspect’s lengthy criminal history, which authorities said dated back more than two decades and included 14 prior felony charges, 10 misdemeanors and two prison terms. Thompson is in custody at the Polk County Jail, awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 20.
Judd criticized the criminal justice system for allowing Thompson to be released on bail while the investigation was ongoing.
“I don’t know who the harebrained judge was that let him out,” Judd said. “When he’s not in jail, he’s out committing crime.”
Florida Attorney General Uthmeier said Thompson faces five life sentences. He is booked in the Polk County jail on charges of conspiracy to racketeer and directing criminal gang activity. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)
Officials said the investigation extended beyond Florida, identifying leaders and associates in North Carolina and South Carolina, and that additional cases could follow.
Uthmeier framed the prosecution as part of Florida’s tough-on-crime approach, including long prison sentences for violent offenders.
“We want him behind bars for the rest of his life,” Uthmeier said. “If you run drugs, guns and violence into our communities, you are going to pay the price.”
Judd ended with a blunt message aimed at criminals watching the case: “If you really want to commit crime unabated, there’s California, New York, New Jersey. Just get out of Florida.”
