04/10/2026
JUSTICE SERVED: FINAL LEADER OF HISTORIC RACKETEERING CASE SENTENCED TO FIVE CONSECUTIVE LIFE TERMS
POLK COUNTY, FL – Today marks the final chapter in a monumental journey for justice that began in 2022. Hernando Cortez Thompson, the notorious leader of the Florida-based operations for the violent "S*x Money Murder" gang, was sentenced today to five consecutive life sentences. This sentencing brings a definitive close to a sweeping racketeering investigation that holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in the State of Florida—leveraging groundbreaking investigative techniques and unprecedented inter-agency collaboration to dismantle a criminal hierarchy from the top down.
This historic outcome was made possible through a massive, years-long partnership between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC STGIU and FGIA member Christie Dolan) among others. By utilizing social media wiretaps and coordinated intelligence, investigators successfully targeted an enterprise responsible for a reign of terror that included home invasions, drug trafficking, and murder conspiracies. From the initial case overview presented in 2021 to this final walk to the finish line, the commitment of these agencies has been unwavering.
The successful prosecution of Thompson, the final defendant in this sprawling case, sends a clear and powerful message: in Florida, organized crime has no place to hide. This was a tremendous collaborative effort that spanned the streets, the digital world, and the state prison system. Today, our communities are safer, a violent criminal enterprise has been dismantled, and a "bad man" will spend the rest of his life behind bars. We are proud to have reached this finish line together, ensuring that justice—though it may take years of tireless work—is ultimately absolute.
Co-case agents Robert Mateo (Polk SO), Jose Gonzalez (Polk SO), Brandon Patterson (Polk SO), and Jason Whatley (FDLE) investigated this case. It was prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution Orlando and much appreciation to Gary Malak and Jean Almonacy for getting us to the finish line.
Members of the Florida Gang Investigators Association worked tirelessly to bring this case to a conclusion. We are extremely grateful for the collaboration between law enforcement agencies to include the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, OSWP, FDOC, FDLE and others. The teamwork and dedication it took to bring this case across the finish line is remarkable and a testament to the work we do across the state and nation. This is what FGIA is all about. NETWORKING!!!
Attorney General James Uthmeier Secures Five Consecutive Life Sentences for Violent Gang Leader My Florida Legal
