Four Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Nationwide “Felony Lane Gang” Conspiracy

Four men sentenced to prison for their roles in the nationwide "Felony Lane Gang" conspiracy that targeted women's parked vehicles and involved bank fraud and identity theft.

Four men from Fort Lauderdale, Florida have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a nationwide conspiracy known as the “Felony Lane Gang.” Joshua Mallory, Tyrone Parker Jr., Gary Grier, and Robert Natson pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The gang targeted vehicles parked by women at various locations, stealing debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and identifications. They recruited women suffering from addiction to impersonate the victims and cash checks at drive-through bank lanes. The total loss amount from the conspiracy exceeded $1 million. Mallory, Grier, Parker Jr., and Natson each received prison sentences ranging from 46 to 80 months, as well as restitution payments and terms of supervised release.

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Overview of the Case

Four men from Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Joshua Mallory, Tyrone Parker Jr., Gary Grier, and Robert Natson – have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a nationwide “Felony Lane Gang” conspiracy. The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and related charges. The fraud scheme, which occurred between 2015 and 2020, involved breaking into cars and stealing debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications. The stolen items were then used to commit bank fraud by recruiting women to impersonate the victims and cash checks in drive-through bank lanes. The total loss amount from the conspiracy exceeded $1 million.

Defendants and Charges

The four defendants in this case are Joshua Mallory, Tyrone Parker Jr., Gary Grier, and Robert Natson. They all pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Additionally, Mallory, Grier, and Parker Jr. pled guilty to aggravated identity theft. The defendants admitted their involvement in the “Felony Lane Gang” fraud scheme.

Details of the Fraud Scheme

The “Felony Lane Gang” engaged in a fraud scheme that involved breaking into cars and stealing personal belongings, such as debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications. The gang mainly targeted cars parked by women at locations like health and fitness centers, daycares, outdoor recreational parks, and dog parks. This type of theft, known as “smash-and-grab,” allowed the gang to quickly obtain the stolen items without being detected.

Once the gang had the stolen items, they used them to commit bank fraud. They recruited women, mostly suffering from substance addiction, to impersonate the victims and cash checks in the drive-through bank lanes. The recruited individuals were often paid with drugs as well. This scheme allowed the gang to access the victims’ bank accounts and launder the stolen money.

Targeting victims

The “Felony Lane Gang” primarily targeted women who parked their cars in vulnerable locations. These locations were chosen strategically to ensure minimal surveillance and a higher likelihood of success. The gang focused on victims who were likely to leave valuable items in their cars, such as purses, wallets, and personal identification documents.

Methods of operation

The gang operated by systematically breaking into cars and stealing valuable items left behind by vulnerable victims. They would quickly smash car windows and grab any visible belongings before fleeing the scene. The stolen items, particularly debit and credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications, were then used to commit bank fraud.

The gang would recruit women, often struggling with substance addiction, to impersonate the victims and cash checks in the drive-through bank lanes. This method allowed them to obtain cash and launder the stolen funds. The recruited individuals were typically promised some form of payment, with drugs being a common currency.

Stolen items and their use

The stolen items included debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications. These items were crucial to the gang’s ability to commit bank fraud. By obtaining the victims’ personal information and identification, they could impersonate them and gain access to their bank accounts.

Using the stolen debit and credit cards, the gang would make unauthorized transactions and withdrawals. They also used the checkbooks to write fraudulent checks and cash them in the drive-through bank lanes. By utilizing the victims’ identities, they were able to bypass security measures and successfully carry out their fraudulent activities.

Total loss amount

The total loss amount from the “Felony Lane Gang” conspiracy exceeded $1 million. The individual co-conspirators were held accountable for portions of that loss. This significant amount of money highlights the extent of the gang’s criminal activities and the financial impact on their victims.

Sentencing and restitution

Joshua Mallory was sentenced to 80 months’ imprisonment, along with restitution in the amount of $364,989.56 and a forfeiture money judgment of $17,183.90. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release.

Tyrone Parker Jr. was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment, along with restitution in the amount of $81,737.00 and a forfeiture money judgment of $8,630. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release.

Robert Natson was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment, along with restitution in the amount of $34,400 and a forfeiture money judgment of $4,352. He was also ordered to serve a 4-year term of supervised release.

Gary Grier was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment, along with restitution in the amount of $163,964 and a forfeiture money judgment of $1,880. He was also ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.

These sentences reflect the seriousness of the defendants’ crimes and aim to provide restitution to the victims affected by their actions.

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Other defendants and their sentences

In addition to the four defendants mentioned above, five other individuals were charged in the indictment. They have all pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, with some already receiving their sentences. Tyrone Parker, the father of Tyrone Parker Jr., was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $132,990, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $7,202.

Terrell McDonald was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $133,190, along with a forfeiture money judgment of $17,648.28.

Randall Taylor and Cedric Lynch have pled guilty and are waiting to be sentenced. Keyshawn Arnold has also pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing.

Investigation and assistance

The FBI Westchester Resident Agency of the New York Field Office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation into the “Felony Lane Gang” conspiracy. They received assistance from other FBI Field Offices, Resident Agencies, and law enforcement agencies across multiple states.

The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police and numerous local police departments, helped to uncover the extent of the gang’s operations. The successful investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the critical role of law enforcement cooperation in combating organized fraud schemes.

Overall, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for law enforcement agencies to work together to protect individuals and communities from financial fraud and identity theft. By bringing these criminals to justice, agencies can send a message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated.

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