WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – In a decisive victory for law enforcement, Florida officials have secured the conviction of Hernando Thompson, the notorious leader of the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang within the state. This marks the culmination of a prolonged racketeering investigation that unmasked the operations of a violent criminal network.

Joined by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and other state officials, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the media, emphasizing the significant impact of this case. The investigation has effectively dismantled the gang’s hierarchy in Florida, which operates as a faction of the larger Bloods organization.

“If you want to engage in dangerous, violent, gang-related activity, do not do it in Florida,” Sheriff Judd warned bluntly. “Most importantly, do not do it in Polk County. Are you nuts?”

Authorities revealed that Hernando Thompson, also known by the alias T. Murda, was found guilty on 17 felony charges, including racketeering and conspiracy. As a result, he may face up to five life sentences, illustrating the gravity of his crimes.

During a press conference held on Monday morning, Sheriff Judd and Attorney General Uthmeier elaborated on the details of Thompson’s arrest. His conviction is being hailed as a significant blow to “Sex, Money, Murder,” underscoring Florida’s resolve to crack down on gang-related violence. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)

Prosecutors said Thompson directed gang activity ranging from robberies and drug trafficking to shootings and attempted murders while insulating himself from direct involvement.

“He managed it like a business crime syndicate,” Uthmeier said. “This was a bad dude, a violent guy, and we’re going to do what needs to be done to protect our communities at all costs.”

Investigators said that the case relied on a court-authorized wiretap that intercepted more than 4,700 communications discussing criminal activity, along with search warrants that led to the seizures of firearms, ballistic armor and roughly $1.5 million worth of drugs.

Hernando Thompson Jr. was arrested following a wiretap investigation, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a Monday news conference in Winter Haven, Florida. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

Officials also discussed violent incidents during the investigations, including where gang members allegedly pointed guns at young children during home invasions, including an 8-year-old and a 3-month-old infant.

“The only reason the victim wasn’t murdered is that he got away in the middle of the night,” Judd said. “We locked him up on other charges to keep him alive until the investigation was complete.”

During the news conference on Monday, Jan. 1, Florida state officials and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office discussed the dismantling of the “Sex, Money, Murder” gang. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)

During the news conference, Judd displayed boards showing the suspect’s lengthy criminal history, which authorities said dated back more than two decades and included 14 prior felony charges, 10 misdemeanors and two prison terms. Thompson is in custody at the Polk County Jail, awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 20.

Judd criticized the criminal justice system for allowing Thompson to be released on bail while the investigation was ongoing.

“I don’t know who the harebrained judge was that let him out,” Judd said. “When he’s not in jail, he’s out committing crime.”

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier said Thompson faces five life sentences. He is booked in the Polk County jail on charges of conspiracy to racketeer and directing criminal gang activity. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)

Officials said the investigation extended beyond Florida, identifying leaders and associates in North Carolina and South Carolina, and that additional cases could follow.

Uthmeier framed the prosecution as part of Florida’s tough-on-crime approach, including long prison sentences for violent offenders.

“We want him behind bars for the rest of his life,” Uthmeier said. “If you run drugs, guns and violence into our communities, you are going to pay the price.”

Judd ended with a blunt message aimed at criminals watching the case: “If you really want to commit crime unabated, there’s California, New York, New Jersey. Just get out of Florida.”