‘NOT IN POLK COUNTY’: Sheriff Grady Judd Dismantles Brutal ‘Sex Money Murder’ Gang Syndicate

BARTOW, FL — Standing before his signature poster boards featuring mugshots of the accused, Sheriff Grady Judd delivered a clear and forceful message to the criminal underworld: “If you want to behave like a psychopath in our community, we have a specialized place for you—and it’s called jail.”

The investigation, which spanned several months, targeted the Florida-based hierarchy of Sex Money Murder, a violent subset of the United Blood Nation. The gang, known for its ruthless recruitment and involvement in high-level narcotics trafficking, had been attempting to establish a “command and control” hub within Central Florida.

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Part I: Operation ‘SMM’ Takedown

The update revealed that law enforcement has arrested 41 individuals tied to the gang’s operations. The charges are extensive, ranging from racketeering (RICO) and conspiracy to commit murder, to the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Sheriff Judd, joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody and FDLE officials, highlighted the case of the group’s alleged ringleader, an individual known by the street name “T-Low.” According to investigators, this leader was responsible for orchestrating the gang’s “business model,” which involved the brutal intimidation of rival dealers and the systematic distribution of deadly drugs across county lines.

“They call themselves ‘Sex Money Murder,’” Judd remarked with his trademark grit. “Well, we’ve taken away the sex, we’ve seized the money, and we’ve prevented the murder. Now, all they’re left with is ‘Jail Time Justice.’”

Part II: The Fentanyl Crisis and Gang Warfare

A significant portion of the investigation focused on the gang’s role in the fentanyl epidemic. During the raids, detectives seized enough fentanyl to “kill half the population of the county,” along with multiple illegally modified firearms designed for high-capacity fire.

The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that this wasn’t just a local drug ring, but a sophisticated criminal enterprise.

Interstate Trafficking: The gang was moving narcotics from the southern border through Florida’s highway systems.

Violence as a Tool: Evidence suggests the gang used social media to broadcast threats and recruit younger members, promising a lifestyle of luxury that Sheriff Judd was quick to debunk.

The Investigation by the Numbers

Category
Totals Seized/Arrested

Arrests
41 Confirmed Members/Associates

Narcotics
15 lbs Fentanyl, 10 lbs Meth, 5 lbs Cocaine

Firearms
22 Illegal Weapons (including “Switch” modifications)

Cash Seized
Over $250,000 in Criminal Proceeds

Potential Sentences
Multiple life sentences under RICO statutes

Part III: The Victims and the Community

One of the more somber moments of the press conference involved the discussion of a “near-miss” murder plot. Detectives revealed that through wiretaps and undercover surveillance, they were able to intervene just hours before a scheduled “hit” on a former member who had attempted to leave the gang.

“These people don’t care about life,” Judd stated, pointing to a mugshot. “They were going to kill this man in front of his family over a perceived debt. But they forgot one thing: we were listening.”

Part IV: A Message of Total Accountability

Attorney General Ashley Moody praised the inter-agency collaboration, noting that the “Florida way” involves zero tolerance for gang activity. By using the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act, prosecutors can ensure that even those who didn’t pull the trigger, but helped manage the organization, face decades behind bars.

“We are managing this like a business because they are managing it like a business,” Moody explained. “And in Florida, the cost of doing business as a gang member is your freedom.”

Conclusion: “The Free State of Florida”

As the press conference concluded, Sheriff Judd reminded the public that while the 41 arrests were a massive victory, the work continues. He encouraged citizens to continue using tip lines to report suspicious behavior, emphasizing that the safety of Polk County relies on the partnership between the “boots on the ground” and the people they protect.

“We want our families to feel safe at the park, at the store, and in their homes,” Judd concluded. “To the ‘Sex Money Murder’ crew: you picked the wrong county, you picked the wrong sheriff, and now you’re going to pick out a orange jumpsuit.”