Overview
- A four-count indictment unsealed in the Middle District of Florida charges 11 alleged SMM-24K members with racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and murder-related offenses in aid of racketeering.
- Seven defendants were taken into custody Friday, with four already incarcerated, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe.
- Prosecutors say the group smuggled large quantities of drugs, including methamphetamine, into an estimated five Florida correctional facilities, with investigators still assessing the full scope.
- Officials identified Hernando “T-Murder” Thompson and Tyrone “Darkside” Conaway as leaders; Conaway allegedly ordered a Jan. 17, 2023 prison hit that was followed by a stabbing two weeks later.
- Court filings describe a “hit list” and detail attacks, including a Feb. 23, 2023 stabbing of a member and an April–May 2023 plot that led to a rival being slashed and later stabbed in separate prisons; if convicted, defendants face up to life in prison on the top counts.