GILCHRIST COUNTY, Fla. — A Georgia man was sentenced to eight years in a Florida prison on Oct. 28 after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from an elaborate fraud scheme targeting Florida hunters.
Rodney E. Smith, 39, operated the fake leasing scam while incarcerated in a Georgia prison, defrauding unsuspecting hunters of thousands of dollars.
FWC Investigation Uncovers Fraudulent Hunting Leases
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators said Smith fraudulently sold hunting leases across 15 Florida counties between July 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026.
A hunting lease is a formal agreement between a landowner and a hunter allowing access to hunt private land under agreed-upon terms.
Operating behind bars, Smith negotiated lease terms and collected cash deposits from multiple victims who believed they were securing legitimate access.
Arrest and Extradition
FWC investigators initially filed felony charges against Smith on May 7 following an investigation into the fake leasing scheme. On Aug. 16, law enforcement officers extradited Smith from the Georgia prison to Gilchrist County on an outstanding arrest warrant.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Smith 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.
He also pleaded guilty to one first-degree felony count for fraudulently offering property for sale or lease.
FWC Emphasizes Importance of Hunting Leases
Major James Barrow serves in the FWC Statewide Investigations and Intelligence Section. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding legitimate hunting lease agreements across the state.
“The FWC recognizes the important role hunting leases play in Florida’s outdoor economy,” Barrow said. “We will continue to work with our partners to protect landowners’ ability to manage their property and benefit from these opportunities.”
Agency Thanks Prosecutors
Following the sentencing, the FWC thanked the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution for providing invaluable assistance during the investigation and successful prosecution of the case.
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