In a noteworthy development, an indictment comprising 12 counts was unveiled last week in the Northern District of Georgia, detailing charges against 23 purported members and affiliates of the infamous Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang. The charges encompass racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations, shedding light on a criminal enterprise spanning a decade, characterized by violent acts, drug trafficking, and coordinated crimes both within and outside the prison system in Georgia.
Background of Sex Money Murder (SMM) Gang:
SMM is recognized as a national gang and a subset of The Bloods, originating in Los Angeles, California, during the early 1970s. Over time, the gang has extended its reach from the Bronx, New York, to the East Coast, including Georgia, where it operates within prisons and jails, as well as outside them. Allegedly involved in various criminal activities such as violence, drug trafficking, and fraud, SMM seeks to bolster its power and influence.
Organizational Structure and Criminal Activities:
The indictment outlines the organizational structure of SMM, which is divided into subgroups or “sets,” responsible for managing the gang’s affairs within their designated territories. Each set operates with its own hierarchy, contributing to criminal endeavors, generating financial gains, and enforcing adherence to SMM’s rules. The gang’s leadership includes higher-ranking national leaders, referred to as the “Royal Flush,” overseeing sets and maintaining control over both incarcerated and non-incarcerated members.
Criminal Acts Alleged in the Indictment:
The charges leveled against the defendants encompass a spectrum of violent acts committed in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. Notable incidents detailed in the indictment include:
- May 10, 2014: SMM members allegedly assaulted a home in DeKalb County, Georgia, resulting in the tragic death of a nine-month-old boy.
- March 13, 2017: At Autry State Prison in Pelham, Georgia, a member reportedly stabbed another inmate multiple times on orders from a fellow SMM member.
- October 11, 2017: An inmate was murdered at Hancock State Prison, with allegations pointing to a violation of SMM’s rules as the motive.
- March 20, 2019: Another inmate was murdered at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia.
- May 10, 2020: SMM members allegedly isolated and repeatedly stabbed a fellow member in Hancock State Prison, suspecting a violation of gang rules.
- November 5, 2020: An inmate at Ware State Prison was allegedly beaten on the orders of a defendant, accusing the inmate of violating SMM’s rules.
These incidents underscore the brutal nature of the alleged crimes orchestrated by SMM members, both inside correctional facilities and in broader contexts.
Legal Proceedings and Charges:
The 23 defendants are now confronted with charges related to their involvement in the racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. These charges include conspiracy to possess and distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms by convicted felons, and carrying firearms during drug trafficking crimes.
The unsealing of this indictment represents a significant endeavor by federal and state law enforcement agencies to dismantle the purported criminal enterprise operated by the Sex Money Murder gang. The case emphasizes the challenges associated with addressing gang activity, particularly within correctional facilities, and highlights the collaborative efforts of various agencies aimed at ensuring community safety. As the legal proceedings unfold, the impact of this extensive investigation on curbing gang-related violence and criminal activities will become more apparent.