An indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia, charging 30 individuals, alleged members and associates of the Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang, with various crimes. These charges include racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug trafficking.
Court documents reveal that SMM members engaged in violent acts to enforce gang rules. Notably, a member who wished to leave the gang was killed, and another was attacked for alleged homosexual activities while incarcerated. The gang profited from trafficking drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Savannah area. They also participated in fraud schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief programs, resulting in intended losses exceeding $850,000.
Matthew Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated: "As alleged, the Sex Money Murder gang... brutally enforced its purported rules... and engaged in rampant drug trafficking and federal program fraud to enrich themselves." He expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies involved in dismantling this criminal enterprise.
Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons remarked on the indictment's significance: “Today’s indictment is an important step in ending gang violence on our streets and in our prisons.” FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown acknowledged the impact of SMM's actions: “The violence and crime this gang committed across our region contributed to an epidemic in our nation.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka emphasized coordination among law enforcement: “This case demonstrates the relentless coordination... to dismantle violent criminal enterprises like Sex Money Murder.” GBI Director Hosey reiterated commitment to holding gang members accountable: “The GBI remains committed... to protect the safety and wellbeing of all Georgians.”
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver highlighted efforts against contraband cell phone use for criminal activities: “The use of contraband cell phones as a tool to carry out gang activity... will not be tolerated.”
The indictment details a February 2020 incident where Byron Hopkins and other SMM members allegedly killed a young victim who wanted to leave the gang. This incident exemplifies SMM's violent enforcement methods.
SMM is described as a subset of The Bloods gang originating from Los Angeles. It has spread across the East Coast into Georgia's prisons. The indictment outlines crimes including murders, drug trafficking within correctional facilities, and fraud orchestrated by inmates.
If convicted, defendants face severe penalties including life imprisonment or death for murder-related charges. The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI, ATF, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, among others.
Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Pennington III are prosecuting this case under Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiatives aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.