Orlando, Fla. — Rodney Edward Smith, a 39-year-old inmate from Chatsworth, Georgia, has been extradited to Florida to face charges related to an elaborate hunting lease fraud scheme. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Smith allegedly operated this criminal enterprise while incarcerated at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia. The investigation reveals that he targeted hunters across 15 different Florida counties, exploiting the state's popular outdoor recreation culture for financial gain.
Operation from Behind Bars
The FWC reports that Smith was already serving time on charges including false imprisonment when he orchestrated the fraud. Investigators allege that by utilizing smuggled cell phones, multiple online aliases, social media profiles, and dozens of phone numbers, Smith posted fake advertisements for hunting leases on properties he did not own or control. A hunting lease is a legal agreement between a landowner and a hunter granting access to private land.
Between July 1, 2025, and April 30, Smith allegedly negotiated these fraudulent lease terms and collected deposits from victims. The scheme resulted in the theft of thousands of dollars from hunters who believed they were securing legitimate hunting rights on private property. The complexity of using multiple digital identities allowed him to evade detection until investigators connected the dots across state lines.
Felony Charges and Legal Proceedings
Investigators with the FWC filed four felony charges against Smith on May 7 in Gilchrist County. He faces one count of fraudulently offering property for sale or lease, classified as a first-degree felony. Additionally, he is charged with three third-degree felonies: scheme to defraud less than $20,000, illegal use of a two-way communication device, and cheating.
Smith’s bond has been set at $700,000. The extradition occurred on August 16, bringing him from Macon State Prison in Georgia to Florida for legal proceedings. The case is now pending in Gilchrist County courts as authorities continue their investigation into the full scope of his activities.
Impact on Hunting Community
Lt. Col. Randy Bowlin, FWC deputy director of law enforcement over Investigations and Intelligence, emphasized the broader impact of these crimes. "By offering fraudulent hunting leases, he not only stole from Florida people, but also damaged the trust between hunters and landowners that is essential to Florida's hunting tradition," Bowlin stated.
The FWC credited the Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Dalton Police Department in Georgia for their collaborative efforts in solving this cross-border case. This prosecution highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect both local residents and visitors from sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit popular recreational activities.
