Florida-Based Felony Lane Gang Leader Out on Bond

Last October, 8 members of the nationally notorious Felony Lane Gang were arrested in South Carolina, according to Sheriff Leon Lott.

The south-east branch of the group was based on Florida, and the members were charged with breaking into vehicles, stealing checks, IDs, and credit and debit cards, in order to commit bank fraud. The gang received its name because members would pull up to drive-through tellers in the lane furthest away from the teller’s window, so they could not be visually identified.

The eight arrests for crimes in the Midlands culminated from a 2-year investigation. Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said that he and his investigators were able to track the Columbia incarnation of the Felony Lane Gang to a motel off Garners Ferry Road in June. All but one of the gang members at the time escaped in a chase, Green said. In May and June, the Lexington County Police Department reported more than 30 automobile break-ins, but since the gang fled town, the number of break-ins has plummeted.

A multi-agency task force was set up in 2012 after the first signs of the Felony Lane Gang appeared. Bank tellers began noticing stolen funds being deposited into local accounts, which belonged to members of the gang. Sheriff Lott said that the gang generated up to $12,000 a day in stolen funds.

On Monday, March 24th, alleged Felony Lane Gang ringleader Courtney Walker, 26, was released from prison on a $150,000 bond. Magistrate Michelle Branch-Howard rejected prosecutors’ request that Walker be held in jail prior to the Felony Lane Gang trial.

Another Felony Lane Gang Ringleader Sentenced for Bank Fraud in Pennsylvania

While the Felony Lane Gang criminal trial has yet to start in South Carolina, the ringleader of the group’s Northeast branch has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, March 18th, U.S. District Senior Judge William Caldwell sentenced Travis Russ, 32, who was also based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to 15 years in prison for theft and bank fraud that netted the gang $1 million over 5 years.

The Northeast “smash and grab” crimes occurred between August and October 2012 in about 25 different parks and forests around Pennsylvania. Russ was captured in the fall of 2012.

In all, 10 Felony Lane Gang members were arrested in Pennsylvania, and they all pleaded guilty in front of a grand jury to charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, bank fraud, and robbery. Russ and six other members of the Felony Lane Gang have received prison sentences, and three others are awaiting their sentences.

Russ’s sentence is the longest so far.

The Strom Law Firm Defends Against Federal Financial Fraud Charges

As a former U.S. Attorney, Pete Strom handled these types of criminal fraud cases, from RICO violations to bank fraud and wire fraud. If you have been charged with financial, bank, mail, or wire fraud, or making false statements, contact the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss the most effective defense to your case and how to avoid further personal and professional damage. We handle your case with utmost discretion, exploring every viable strategy to secure a most favorable outlook. 803.252.4800.