Rutland, MA police bust members of “Felony Lane Gang” in multi-state fraud scheme

RUTLAND — A suspicious bank withdrawal attempt led to the arrest of three individuals connected to the “Felony Lane Gang,” a criminal organization suspected of bank fraud across several states, the Rutland Police Department announced.

On May 9, officers responded to a local bank where a woman, later identified as Lisa Harmon, 40, of Westbrook, Maine, attempted to withdraw a large sum of cash.

Police recognized her vehicle, which bore a vanity plate “T1RESLYR” masking its real registration, from previous criminal activities.

Harmon was taken into custody and charged with three counts of credit card theft, two counts of using a stolen RMV document, attempted larceny, and possession of a Class B drug.

Investigations by Detective Cassie DeSousa revealed two men acting as lookouts across from the bank.

The suspects, Kirby Peterson, 23, of Tamarac, Florida, and Tito Augusto, 18, of Portland, Maine, were linked to the gang and apprehended by the Massachusetts State Police on May 13.

They were found in possession of several stolen credit cards, licenses, and checkbooks.

Peterson and Augusto face charges of accessory before the fact and two counts of conspiracy.

Evidence suggests the gang’s involvement in numerous bank fraud cases in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Most of the stolen items were taken from vehicles in public spaces, some left unlocked and others visibly containing valuables, leading to forced entry.

The Rutland Police remind the public to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.

They also advise immediately notifying banks and police if bank documents are stolen.

The department extended gratitude to the vigilant bank employees who alerted authorities and to the Rutland Regional Emergency Communication Center dispatchers for providing detailed descriptions for the responding officers.