by Fox 49 StaffFri, November 6, 2026 at 2:57 PM
FWC probe leads to 8-year prison sentence in fraud scheme targeting Florida hunters
Updated Fri, November 6, 2026 at 3:17 PM
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — An elaborate scheme that targeted Florida hunters and stretched across 15 counties has ended with a Georgia man sentenced to prison after an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Rodney E. Smith, 39, of Georgia pleaded guilty to four felonies tied to fraud and cheating after investigators said he fraudulently sold hunting leases while incarcerated in a Georgia prison. On May 7, FWC investigators filed felony charges against Smith, accusing him of negotiating lease terms and collecting deposits from multiple victims for hunting leases in 15 Florida counties.
A hunting lease is an agreement between a landowner and a hunter that allows the hunter to access and hunt on private land under agreed-upon terms. Investigators said Smith’s actions defrauded 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 three third-degree felonies — 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 of the 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 credited the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution for assistance during the investigation and prosecution.
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The agency encouraged the public to report wildlife and resource violations by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
