Believe it or not, the notorious Bloods street gang had an alleged kingpin right here in St. Johns County.
A rural roughneck has been identified as one of ten alleged high-ranking members of a violent criminal organization arrested in a sweeping statewide operation targeting the Bloods-affiliated gang known as “Sex, Money, Murder.”
Andrew Mariano, 23, was taken into custody at his home in Flagler Estates following a coordinated effort involving the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Task Force, SWAT, and Special Investigations Unit, with support from the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Mariano’s residence, where they found firearms, trafficking quantities drugs, and evidence of gang affiliation.
Mariano now faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit homicide, directing the activities of a criminal gang, and money laundering. Investigators say he played a key role in trafficking drugs and firearms across northeast Florida as part of his leadership in the Sex, Money, Murder gang.
Mariano’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on the organization following a multi-year investigation spearheaded by BSO’s Gang Investigations Task Force.
The investigation exposed a well-organized and statewide criminal enterprise responsible for a litany of serious offenses, including narcotics trafficking, firearms trafficking, fraud, and acts of violence.
In total, ten senior-level suspects were arrested in April during a coordinated operation that spanned multiple Florida counties. Arrest warrants had been filed in March, and law enforcement agencies across the state worked together to bring in suspects located from Gainesville to Winter Haven.
The individuals arrested include:
- Damian Thompson, 31, of Pembroke Pines
- Ridge Wietsma, 33, of Lauderhill
- Quam’ani Floyd, 30, of Dania Beach
- Hank Edwards, 30, of Lauderdale Lakes
- Gene Rowe Jr., 27, of Gainesville
- Bruce Garniss, 21, of Gainesville
- Deaunte Boyd, 31, of Winter Haven
- Richard Rivera, 28, of Winter Haven
- Darling Siplin III, 26, of DeBary
- Andrew Mariano, 23, of Hastings
Detectives say two top-tier gang leaders were based in Broward County, but the operation’s influence and activities stretched throughout Florida.
As part of their probe, investigators uncovered bank accounts tied to the gang’s coffers, as well as evidence of a “kill list” containing names of intended victims — who were subsequently warned and protected, potentially preventing multiple murders.
Simultaneous residential search warrants were executed in several cities, including Pembroke Pines, Lauderhill, and Hastings, leading to the seizure of more narcotics, firearms, and gang paraphernalia.
All ten suspects have been formally charged in Highlands County, where they are also expected to stand trial.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
