Two Florida Men Arrested in Multi-State Check Fraud Ring Tied to Felony Lane Gang
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — Two men from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have been arrested in connection with a widespread criminal operation involving check fraud, credit card theft, and identity theft tied to the notorious “Felony Lane Gang,” according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).
Rickie Noel, 21, and Freddrick Holmes, 28, were arrested by authorities in Florida and Wisconsin, respectively, following a months-long investigation into a series of thefts and financial crimes that stretched across Virginia, Maryland, and other East Coast states.
LCSO said the Felony Lane Gang is known for targeting unattended vehicles using “smash-and-grab” tactics to steal purses, checkbooks, and IDs, which are then used to commit bank fraud and identity theft. Though labeled a gang, the group doesn’t meet Virginia’s legal definition of a gang, said Sheriff Mike Chapman.
The investigation began on March 6, when a fraudulent check was cashed at a bank in Sterling, VA. Subsequent incidents, including vehicle break-ins on April 19 at a farm in Leesburg, prompted further inquiry. Deputies analyzed surveillance footage, reviewed vehicle records, and subpoenaed cell phone and license plate data across multiple states.
Authorities ultimately linked the suspects to crimes in Prince William and Hanover counties, and additional thefts in Virginia and Maryland.
Charges include:
Rickie Noel:
3 counts of Credit Card Theft
1 count of Grand Larceny
1 count of Obtaining Money by False Pretense
1 count of Forging and Uttering
1 count of Felony Identity Theft
Additional misdemeanor charges
Arrested in Haines City, Florida
Freddrick Holmes:
8 counts of Credit Card Theft
1 count of Grand Larceny
2 counts of Forging and Uttering
1 count of Felony Identity Theft
1 count of Obtaining Money by False Pretense
Arrested in St. Croix County, Wisconsin
Both men are currently held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
“These arrests represent the culmination of months of diligent work by our deputies, including the effective use of technology and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman.
Authorities warn that “Felony Lane Gang” activity continues to pose a risk across the region and urge citizens to never leave personal belongings in vehicles unattended.
