FWC investigation results in conviction, 8-year prison sentence

An FWC investigation into an elaborate scheme targeting Florida hunters has resulted in a conviction and an 8-year prison sentence. Rodney E. Smith, 39, of Georgia pleaded guilty to four felonies related to fraud and cheating.

On May 7, FWC investigators filed felony charges against Smith for fraudulently selling hunting leases to hunters in 15 Florida counties while incarcerated in a Georgia prison. A hunting lease is an agreement between a landowner and a hunter allowing the hunter to access and hunt on private land under agreed-upon terms. Smith negotiated lease terms and collected deposits from multiple unsuspecting victims, defrauding Florida hunters of thousands of dollars between July 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.

On Aug. 16, Smith was extradited from the Georgia prison to Gilchrist County on a warrant to face the charges. He pleaded guilty to four felonies: three third-degree felonies, including one count each of scheme to defraud less than $20,000, illegal use of a two-way communication device and cheating, and one first-degree felony for fraudulently offering property for sale or lease.

"The FWC recognizes the important role hunting leases play in Florida's outdoor economy," said Major James Barrow, Statewide Investigations and Intelligence Section. "We will continue to work with our partners to protect landowners' ability to manage their property and benefit from these opportunities."

On Oct. 28, Smith was sentenced to eight years in a Florida prison.

The FWC thanks the Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution for its invaluable assistance during the investigation and successful prosecution of the case.

Wildlife and resource violations are very serious, and the FWC encourages the public to report them by calling the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.