Lemone Octaviu Slaughter : Man Arrested in Triangle Break-Ins: Felony Lane Gang Connection Suspected

An arrest in a series of break-ins has Orange County law enforcement warning people to be cautious about leaving valuables in their cars while walking on local trails. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release on Wednesday, stating that the recent thefts bear similarities to those committed by a notorious organized crime group known as the Felony Lane Gang.

According to the news release, Lemone Octaviu Slaughter, a 47-year-old suspect, was apprehended on February 6. Slaughter has been charged with attempted breaking or entering a motor vehicle, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and four counts of financial card theft. Authorities also discovered that Slaughter was wanted for similar crimes in at least three other states. During his arrest, Slaughter was found in possession of driver’s licenses from Florida and Georgia, multiple financial instruments with variations of his name, and three cell phones.

After posting a bail bond of $20,000, Slaughter was released from the Orange County jail. His court appearance is scheduled for March 22.

The Modus Operandi of the Break-Ins

The Orange County investigators were alerted to the break-ins following a report of a theft on February 4 at Hollow Rock Nature Park on Erwin Road. The victim stated that a tote bag, wallet, and various financial instruments and identification documents were stolen from their parked vehicle.

During a review of the park’s security footage, investigators spotted a silver Chrysler Pacifica that resembled a vehicle frequently seen at several parks and hiking areas in multiple jurisdictions. Significantly, the theft occurred shortly after the victim parked their car. The description of the Chrysler was shared with other Orange County deputies, leading to the identification of a suspect.

Approximately 30 minutes later, an investigator observed a man identified as Slaughter near a sport utility vehicle at Brumley Nature Preserve on New Hope Church Road. The investigator witnessed Slaughter hastily retreat and enter a silver Chrysler Pacifica. Subsequently, Slaughter was apprehended and found in possession of a window punch, a tool commonly used to break car windows in emergencies.

The Felony Lane Gang: A Notorious Criminal Organization

The Felony Lane Gang originated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over a decade ago and has since expanded to include multiple organized gangs that specialize in identity theft and burglary across the East Coast, as reported by the FBI. A federal task force dedicated to combating the group revealed on Facebook that spinoff organizations have emerged to carry out similar criminal activities.

Last year, the group’s presence was detected in the Triangle region, prompting the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office to issue warnings about car break-ins at county parks and recreation areas during the spring and summer. The Felony Lane Gang has also been known to target women who drop off or pick up their children from daycare, as stated in news releases from various states.

Gang members swiftly utilize stolen credit cards at nearby grocery stores and shops, purchasing gift cards and money orders worth thousands of dollars, according to Alamance County officials. To avoid detection, members often drive rental cars with out-of-state license plates or temporary paper tags.

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood emphasized the importance of securing valuables and identification documents in a locked trunk or leaving them at home when visiting trails, gyms, or other locations where carrying purses and similar items may not be necessary.

Should a theft occur, Orange County Investigator Jason Nazworth advised victims to promptly cancel their credit cards, contact their bank, and notify the credit bureaus. Nazworth stated, “These perpetrators are highly sophisticated and act swiftly. They can enter and exit a parking lot within minutes, often making significant purchases of merchandise or gift cards within the hour.”

Individuals with information regarding the suspect or other break-ins at local parks and trailheads are urged to contact Investigator Jason Nazworth at 919-245-2960.