Investigators with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 22 individuals following a sweeping seven-month investigation into criminal activity linked to the violent street gang “Sex, Money, Murder” (SMM).

The operation, known as Operation Gang Shield, targeted gang-related violence, narcotics trafficking, fraud schemes, firearms offenses, and organized criminal enterprises impacting communities across the region.

Sex Money Murder (SMM), a faction of the United Blood Nation founded in New York City in the late 1980s, is known for its rigid hierarchy and longstanding involvement in violent crime and drug distribution.

Authorities say the group has been actively recruiting individuals into gang activity, both through in-person contact and via social media, as it expands into smaller communities across the southeastern United States, including in Lee County, Alabama.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office launched its investigation in May 2025, working with numerous state and federal partners to identify key members, disrupt SMM’s operations, and restore safety to affected neighborhoods.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said the operation required extensive manpower and long hours, calling it both challenging and necessary for community protection.

Authorities report that the 22 suspects arrested as part of Operation Gang Shield collectively face 79 criminal charges, including violations of the Alabama Criminal Enterprise Prevention Act, fraud offenses, narcotics violations, firearms offenses, and other organized criminal activity. Indictments were handed down by the Lee County Grand Jury, and additional warrants were sought out.

One suspect is a juvenile, while the rest are adults, with most falling within the 20–30 age bracket and the majority being male.

• Khalif Da’Quan Kellum, 26, Kellyton, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
  • Identity Theft x3
  • Attempted Theft of Property 1st x2
  • Theft of Property 3rd
• Damien Antwon Goodwin, 25, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x2 (Currently being held in the Chambers County Jail pending charges of Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle
• Braylon Isayah Meadows, 18, Opelika, AL
  • Robbery 1st
  • Use of a Firearm to Further Interest a Criminal Enterprise
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
• Armod Kiante Reynolds, 29, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
• Antonio Cordell Finley, 33, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
• Kentavious Armoni Thomas, 26, Opelika, AL
  • Robbery 1st
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x5
  • Probation Violation x2
• Darrick Duran Hunter Jr, 24, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x5
• Derrion Damon Malik Brock, 25, Lanett, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
• Ramil Emmanuel Saqaun Dickerson, 23, Phenix City, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
• Jawahski La’Ted Dickerson, 19, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
• Un-named Juvenile, 17, Opelika, AL
  • Robbery 1st
• T’Harra Jarnevious Brunson, 21, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
• Kejuan Jermichael Gopher, 19, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x5
  • Possession of Marijuana 2nd
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Petronius Javon Bailey, 18, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x2
  • Possession of Marijuana 2nd
• Jayden Kamarious Buchannon, 24, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x2
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Jar’ki Recell Brooks, 24, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x4
• Ty’Shawn Durrell Wright, 23, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x7
• Devin Kyle Roberson, 20, Opelika, AL
  • Robbery 1st
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
• Tamia Monae Sharnell Patrick, 27, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership
• Radrekius Tykel Smith, 26, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x2
• Damontae Martez Martin, 27, Opelika, AL
  • Compelling Street Gang Membership x3
• Jer’myah Caro’linda-Irulan Wood, 22, Auburn, AL
  • Identity Theft x3
  • Attempted Theft of Property 1st
  • Theft of Property 3rd

Over the past several weeks and months, investigators executed multiple search warrants that led to the seizure of eight firearms, some of which have been connected to shootings in Alabama and other states. Equipment, assets, and other materials used in the commission of crimes were also recovered. Authorities say information came from numerous sources, and as intelligence developed, investigators were able to act quickly and effectively.

While most arrests occurred in Lee County, the investigation extends beyond Alabama and Georgia and may reach into additional states as investigators continue tracking SMM’s criminal networks. Officials believe the gang remains active in the region with individuals still under investigation.

Lee County sheriff’s officials said that this is not the end of Operation Gang Shield. The investigation is ongoing, more charges are expected, and authorities anticipate further arrests as they examine related criminal activity

“Gangs should understand: law enforcement is coming for them too,” officials said.

Protecting youth remains a major priority, according to officials. School Resource Officers (SROs) continue working within local schools to prevent gang recruitment, while parents are urged to stay engaged and informed about their children’s lives, especially given the influence of social media on young people. Officials said that gang involvement is a county-wide concern and “everything is on the table” as law enforcement works to dismantle gang activity and safeguard the community.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep appreciation for the extensive interagency collaboration that made Operation Gang Shield possible. Participating partners include:

• Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office
• U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Alabama Attorney General’s Office
• Auburn Police Department
• Opelika Police Department
• Valley Police Department
• Lanett Police Department
• Tallapoosa County Drug Task Force
• Dekalb County Gang Unit
• Georgia Gang Investigators Association
• Alabama Gang Investigators Association

Sheriff’s officials said the collective effort of these agencies was instrumental in disrupting SMM’s operations and advancing the ongoing investigation into the gang’s activities.