WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Hernando Cortez Thompson Jr., a 39-year-old Orlando man identified by prosecutors as the leader of the Bloods-affiliated “Sex Money Murder” gang in Florida, was convicted this week on all charges following a Polk County jury trial, state officials announced.
The verdict, delivered after about an hour of jury deliberation on January 8, 2026, capped a four-day trial stemming from a 2022 investigation into the gang’s criminal operations. Thompson was found guilty of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and three counts of directing criminal gang activity. Prosecutors say the convictions could result in Thompson spending the rest of his life in prison.
“This criminal led a violent, Bloods-affiliated gang that treated crime like a business,” Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a statement. “A jury delivered justice, and he is looking at spending the rest of his life behind bars.”
According to prosecutors, Thompson exercised control over gang operations throughout Florida while attempting to shield himself from direct involvement in crimes. Evidence presented at trial described a wide-ranging enterprise that included illegal drug sales, robberies, drive-by shootings, coordinated attacks, conspiracy to commit murder, and the introduction of contraband into state prisons.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the conviction reflects the state’s aggressive approach to prosecuting organized crime. “We hope to see him sentenced to life in prison for his orchestration of violent criminal gang activities,” Judd said.
The case resulted in the arrest and prosecution of 12 other members of the Sex Money Murder gang. Thompson, who had an outstanding warrant, turned himself in last year and was the final defendant to face trial.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay credited the outcome to interagency cooperation. “This case was difficult due to the defendant’s leadership position in the criminal enterprise,” McVay said, noting that investigators were able to overcome efforts by Thompson to insulate himself from prosecution.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Thompson remains in custody at the Polk County Jail. His sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2026, where he faces a maximum possible penalty of five consecutive life sentences.
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