News Summary
Federal prosecutors have indicted 30 alleged members of the Sex Money Murder gang on charges of murder, racketeering, and COVID-19 fraud. The extensive investigation spanned several states and revealed a pattern of violent crime and drug trafficking. With connections to the Bloods gang, the SMM’s criminal activities include orchestrating illegal schemes even from prison. Law enforcement agencies view this indictment as a significant step towards dismantling organized crime in Georgia and combating gang violence affecting local communities.
Hinesville, Georgia – Federal prosecutors have unsealed an eight-count indictment charging 30 alleged members and associates of the Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang with a series of serious crimes including murder, racketeering, and COVID-19 fraud. This significant legal action follows a lengthy investigation that spanned several states and highlights the ongoing battle against organized gang activity within local communities.
The indictment details charges such as racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in addition to various firearm and drug trafficking offenses. Arrests linked to this case occurred in various cities, including Hinesville, Savannah, Augusta, and Atlanta.
Investigators note that their inquiry extended across seven additional states: New York, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, and New Jersey, demonstrating the extensive reach of the SMM gang and its operations.
The SMM gang is identified as a subset of the larger Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles during the early 1970s and has since expanded its influence to the East Coast, including Georgia. Federal authorities report that members of the SMM gang displayed extreme violence as a method of enforcing gang rules and retaliating against perceived violations. These retaliatory acts have included brutal crimes such as murder and attempted murder.
One particularly disturbing incident involved the murder of a 19-year-old gang member who attempted to leave the group. The victim was lured under the guise of attending a gang meeting and was subsequently shot by another gang member shortly after being dropped off from his school bus in a remote location.
Another violent act reported in the indictment involved a gang member who was stabbed multiple times while incarcerated due to alleged homosexual behavior, illustrating the violent code that members are expected to follow.
Drug trafficking also plays a central role in the SMM gang’s activities, with members reportedly distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine throughout the Savannah area. In addition to drug-related offenses, SMM members participated in fraudulent schemes involving federal COVID-19 relief programs and unemployment benefits. The investigation revealed that these fraudulent activities were aimed at illicitly acquiring over $850,000 from the government.
Notably, seven of the defendants were accused of orchestrating a range of crimes, including murder and fraud, from within prison walls using contraband cell phones. This aspect of the case underscores the challenges that law enforcement agencies face in policing gang activities and maintaining order within correctional facilities.
The investigation was a collaborative effort that involved multiple federal, state, and local agencies, including the FBI, ATF, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Authorities stated that if convicted, the defendants could face severe penalties, including life sentences or the death penalty for murder and racketeering charges, along with significant time for fraud and drug trafficking convictions.
This indictment is seen as a crucial step towards dismantling organized gang influence in Georgia and is part of the broader effort by the Justice Department to combat gang violence and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. Currently, 18 individuals are in custody while two members of the gang remain at large, with one of them considered armed and dangerous. This ongoing situation highlights the commitment of law enforcement to address criminal enterprises that threaten public safety.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: DOJ, FBI Savannah Gang Indictment
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Fox 5 Atlanta: 30 Alleged Members Indicted
- Google Search: Georgia gang indictment
- 11 Alive: 30 Indicted Federal Sex Money Murder Gang
- Google Scholar: Sex Money Murder gang
- WTOC: 30 Gang Members Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang violence
- WSB TV: Sex Money Murder 30 Arrested
- Google News: Sex Money Murder gang
