US EditionNotorious Florida gang leader arrested; wiretap reveals thousands of criminal conduct communications
Hernando Thompson Jr., gang leader, convicted on multiple counts after a multi-year investigation that seized $1.5 million in drugs and intercepted 4,787 criminal communications.
- On Jan. 12, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Hernando Cortez Thompson Jr.'s conviction on multiple racketeering charges as leader of the 'Sex, Money, Murder' gang.
- A multi-agency RICO probe launched in March 2021 led to 2022 arrests of 41 alleged members, involving the Office of Statewide Prosecution, FDLE, Florida Department of Corrections, and Polk County Sheriff's Office.
- Investigators reported serving six search warrants and seizing $1.5 million in drugs, 18 firearms, and ballistic armor during the 'Sex, Money, Murder' gang probe.
- Prosecutors said Thompson faces five life sentences, and state prosecutors vowed to push for terms preventing early release.
- Officials said much of the hierarchy is dismantled but investigations continue, with state prosecutors pursuing ongoing prosecutions and other leads under investigation involving victims including children.
12 Articles
12 Articles
'Sex, Money, Murder' gang leader faces up to five life sentences
Attorney General James Uthmeier holds a news conference on Jan. 12, 2026, with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to announce the conviction of Hernando Thompson. (Photo courtesy of Uthmeier's office)A Florida jury found guilty “the man at the top of the pyramid” of the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang in Florida, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday. The gang, a focus of statewide investigations, was led by H…
Gang Kingpin Convicted In Polk County: ‘Sex Money Murder’ Leader Facing 5 Life Terms
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – It took a Polk County jury just sixty minutes to seal the fate of Hernando Thompson, Jr. The 36-year-old Orlando man, identified by state prosecutors as the Florida leader of the “Sex Money Murder” gang, was convicted on all counts last week following a four-day trial. Thompson now faces a maximum […] Gang Kingpin Convicted In Polk County: ‘Sex Money Murder’ Leader Facing 5 Life Terms
Leader of Florida 'sex, money and murder' gang arrested
In a joint press conference, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Attorney General James Uthmeier discussed steps taken to arrest Hernando Thompson, who is accused of leading a Florida gang. $1.5 million in drugs,18 firearms and ballistic armor were seized in the arrest.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
