TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six defendants involved in a multi-year theft and identity fraud scheme across at least five Florida counties.
“The broader issue at hand here is that repeat offenders pose a major threat to the safety of our communities,” Uthmeier said. “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.”
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The defendants are linked to the “Felony Lane Gang,” a Fort Lauderdale-based theft ring operating statewide. Between March 2021 and May 2023, they carried out more than 200 smash-and-grab burglaries targeting gyms, parks, and other public spaces.
Their targets were wallets and purses containing checkbooks, credit cards, IDs, and passports. Using stolen personal information, the defendants committed fraud by cashing forged checks and withdrawing money from bank accounts.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay said, “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.”
McVay added, “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.”
The defendants stole more than $385,000 from victims, including 55 senior citizens.