Florida Gang Leader Arrested: Statewide Operation Uncovers “Kill List”
HASTINGS, Fla. — A multi-year investigation culminated in the arrest of Andrew Mariano, 23, of Flagler Estates, who is accused of being a senior leader in a violent Florida gang. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Gang Investigations Task Force, executed the arrest following a complete probe into the gang’s activities across the state.
The Investigation Unfolds
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office Gang Investigations Task Force spearheaded the investigation,which spanned several years. Detectives focused on unraveling the intricate network of the “infamous” gang, discovering key command-level members residing within Broward County. This led to the identification of the gang’s statewide leadership and the financial infrastructure supporting their operations.
Guns, Drugs, and a “Kill List”
A search of Mariano’s home by both sheriff’s offices yielded notable evidence. authorities reported finding guns and drugs, alleging that Mariano was trafficking these items across Northeast Florida. The investigation also uncovered a chilling detail: a kill list
of intended victims. Detectives acted swiftly, notifying potential targets before any harm could occur.
Detectives said they discovered a kill list of the gang members’ intended victims and notified them before the crimes occurred.
Statewide Operation Nets Multiple Arrests
The investigation culminated in a coordinated statewide operation in April, resulting in 10 arrests. Arrest warrants had been filed in March, setting the stage for the sweeping action. Simultaneously, residential search warrants were executed in Pembroke Pines, Lauderhill, and Hastings, leading to the recovery of additional firearms, trafficking amounts of narcotics, and gang paraphernalia.
“Sex, Money, Murder” Gang Identified
Investigators identified Mariano as one of the leaders of the Bloods-affiliated Sex, Money, Murder
gang. Two men from Gainesville, ages 21 and 27, were also arrested as part of the investigation, accused of being top members of the gang.
Crimes Across Florida
The alleged crimes spanned across Florida,encompassing a range of offenses. According to detectives with BSO’s Gang Task Force,the investigation uncovered numerous contributing crimes,including:
- Unlawful trafficking of firearms
- Trafficking of narcotics (cannabis,methamphetamine,and fentanyl)
- Fraud
- Planning or directing activities related to a criminal gang
- conspiracy to commit homicide
Over the past three years,detectives with BSO’s Gang Task Force said they have been investigating the “infamous” gang and discovered that two command-level members lived within Broward County.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information
The BSO stated that the investigation into the Sex, Money, Murder Blood gang is ongoing. All suspects have been charged in Highlands county and are expected to be tried there.
Authorities urge anyone with information about this criminal organization or its crimes to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
