Overview
- The multi-year operation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE and prosecutors used a court-authorized wiretap that captured 4,787 communications discussing crimes, including murder.
- Twelve people were taken into custody as officers served six search warrants in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Mount Dora, Orlando and Lake City.
- Investigators seized narcotics valued at more than $1.5 million, 18 firearms, ballistic armor and cash during the takedown.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier said Hernando Thompson Jr., 40, now faces 17 charges and up to five life sentences if convicted.
- Authorities link the Sex, Money, Murder network to violent home invasions since 2018, including an incident where a gun was pointed at an 8-year-old and an infant, and say additional leads are being pursued.