Multiple arrests were announced in a Florida organized fraud ring with a crackdown on repeat offenders.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged six defendants with engaging in a multi-year scheme to commit large-scale theft and identity fraud across at least five counties in Florida.
The defendants are connected to the “Felony Lane Gang,” a Fort Lauderdale-based theft enterprise that operates across the state. Between March 2021 and May 2023, they carried out over 200 smash-and-grab burglaries at gyms, parks, and other public spaces. Their targets were wallets and purses containing checkbooks, credit cards, IDs, and even passports. The defendants were then using the stolen personal identification information to commit fraud by cashing forged checks and fraudulently withdrawing money from bank accounts.
During the span of the scheme, the defendants stole over $385,000 from the victims, including 55 senior citizens.
“The broader issue at hand here is that repeat offenders pose a major threat to the safety of our communities,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Too often, these criminals are arrested, released, and given another chance to prey on innocent people. In Florida, we don’t just arrest criminals—we keep them behind bars where they belong.”
The defendants will be charged with the follow offenses: RICO, Conspiracy to Commit RICO, and Scheme to Defraud. Each of these charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years, along with a fine of up to $10,000.
“The Office of Statewide Prosecution will deploy every tool to dismantle criminal networks made up of career fraudsters and thieves that prey on hardworking Floridians,” said Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay. “The Office will pursue hefty and enhanced charges to ensure individuals convicted of operating as part of one of these organized crime rings are kept behind bars for a very long time, where they can no longer victimize Floridians.”
This case will be handled by Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
