Accused gang leader arrested in St. Johns County after 3 year investigation
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Andrew Mariano, 23, was arrested as part of a yearslong investigation led by the Broward Sheriff’s Office into the “Sex, Money, Murder” Blood-affiliated gang.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of leading a Bloods-affiliated gang and trafficking drugs and firearms across Northeast Florida was arrested in St. Johns County, the sheriff’s office announced Tuesday.

Andrew Mariano, 23, of Flagler Estates, was arrested as part of a years-long investigation led by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Investigations Task Force into the “Sex, Money, Murder” Blood gang.

Ten suspected senior members, including Mariano, have been arrested and face charges related to racketeering, conspiracy to commit homicide, directing activities of a criminal gang and money laundering, according to investigators.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and BSO executed a warrant at Mariano’s residence and located firearms and narcotics, investigators said.

For the past three years, BSO’s Gang Task Force has been investigating the organization, ultimately discovering its involvement in numerous crimes across Florida, officials said. Investigators identified the gang’s leadership and financial accounts tied to the group.

Additionally, detectives discovered the gang’s “kill list” and notified the intended victims before the crimes occurred, investigators said.

Officials said all the suspects charged in the case will be charged in Highlands County, where they will be tried.

The investigation into the gang is ongoing. Anyone with information on this criminal organization or crimes is urged to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. 

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