Georgia Inmate Allegedly Scammed Florida Hunters With Fake Leases Using Smuggled Cell Phones

A former Georgia inmate is accused of using smuggled cellphones to scam Florida hunters, selling them fake hunting leases, officials said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said that between July 2025 and April 2026, 39-year-old Rodney Edward Smith targeted Florida hunters in the scheme while he was incarcerated at Macon State Prison on unrelated charges.

Smith allegedly used smuggled cellphones and “false online personas” to scam hunters in 15 Florida counties. He allegedly sold fake hunting leases for access to hunt on properties he did not own or control, collecting thousands of dollars in deposits.

Legitimate hunting leases offered by landowners allow people to hunt on private land under agreed-upon terms.

After Smith’s prison sentence in Georgia ended, he was extradited to Florida to face felony charges of fraudulently offering property for sale or lease; scheme to defraud less than $20,000; illegal use of a two-way communication device; and cheating.

Smith’s bond was set at $700,000.

“By offering fraudulent hunting leases, he not only stole from Florida citizens, but also damaged the trust between hunters and landowners that is essential to Florida’s hunting tradition,” said Lt. Col Randy Bowlin, FWC Deputy Director of Law Enforcement over Investigations and Intelligence. “Our officers remain committed to protecting the public and resources by supporting lawful hunting opportunities across the state.”