An indictment has been unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia, charging 30 individuals associated with the Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang. The charges include racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, wire fraud, and related firearm and drug trafficking offenses.
Court documents reveal that SMM members engaged in violence against fellow members for perceived rule violations. This included the killing of a member who wanted to leave the gang and an attempted murder for alleged homosexual activities. The gang profited from trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Savannah area and participated in fraud schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief programs, resulting in intended losses exceeding $850,000.
"As alleged, the Sex Money Murder gang...brutally enforced its purported rules," said Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "We will not rest until every criminal organization like SMM...are dismantled."
Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons emphasized the importance of this indictment in combating gang violence: "My office will continuously work with our law enforcement partners to ensure public safety."
FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown highlighted the impact of SMM's activities on victims' families: "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who suffer because of this gangs’ activities."
ATF Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka noted their role in targeting illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking: "This case demonstrates...commitment among our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal enterprises like Sex Money Murder."
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Hosey affirmed ongoing efforts against such organizations: "The GBI remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local partners..."
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver addressed contraband cell phone use by inmates: "The use of contraband cell phones as a tool to carry out gang activity...will not be tolerated..."
The indictment describes an incident where Byron Hopkins and other SMM members killed a young victim after he expressed a desire to leave the gang. The victim was lured under false pretenses before being shot.
SMM is described as a subset of The Bloods gang that originated in Los Angeles but has spread across the East Coast. The indictment outlines crimes orchestrated by SMM members within Georgia correctional facilities.
If convicted, defendants face severe penalties including life imprisonment or death for certain charges.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI, ATF, U.S. Department of Labor, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and others.
Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Pennington III are prosecuting the case.
This action is part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.