'Felony Lane Gang' Tied To Identity And Credit Card Thefts In Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office says two suspects with ties to the "Felony Lane Gang" have been arrested.

The sheriff's office linked the criminal activity to a March 6 fraudulent check cashing with stolen identification at a bank in Sterling. In addition, three vehicle break-ins happened at a farm in Leesburg involving undisclosed stolen items. The sheriff's office did not identify the specific locations of the Loudoun County crimes.

An investigation found the stolen check was linked to similar crimes in Prince William County and Hanover County and other thefts in Virginia and Maryland. The break-in was also tied to similar crimes, leading authorities to arrest two people from the "Felony Lane Gang."

According to the sheriff's office, The "Felony Lane Gang" travels around the U.S. to steal identities and payment methods such as checkbooks from unattended cars through "smash and grabs." Authorities believe suspects travel around the East Coast and the Midwest to commit the thefts. Under Virginia law, it is not considered an official gang.

Ricky Noel, 21, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was arrested in Haines City, Florida by Haines City Police on behalf of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Noel was charged with three counts of credit card theft, one count of grand larceny, one count of obtaining money by false pretense, one count of forging and uttering, one count of felony identity theft, and other misdemeanor charges.

Freddrick Holmes, 28, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was arrested in St. Croix County, Wisconsin byy the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office on behalf of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. He was charged with eight counts of credit card theft, one count of grand larceny, two counts of forging and uttering, one count of felony identity theft, and one count of obtaining money by false pretense.

The suspects are being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

According to the sheriff's office, the investigation included examining surveillance footage, reviewing vehicle records, reviewing subpoenaed cell phone records, checking license plate reader data, and working with other law enforcement.

"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 in a statement. "The suspects in this case preyed on Loudoun County residents going about their daily lives, and their arrests should serve as a clear message that we will pursue criminals no matter how far they run to escape justice."

The sheriff's office encourages residents to be aware of where they park and what items they leave inside. Authorities believe suspects may target vehicles parked at parks, gyms and day care centers, taking purses and personal identity documents. Co-conspirators then wear disguises to cash fraudulent checks from victims' accounts.

The investigation continues as detectives look into links to similar incidents in the region. Anyone with information about a similar crime or may be a victim can contact the sheriff's office at 703-777-1021 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 703-777-1919.

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