A Florida man has been arrested following a months-long, multi-agency investigation into a series of vehicle break-ins and financial crimes reported across Moore County and other parts of North Carolina.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, the investigation began Feb. 14, 2025, after officers responded to the Legacy Lakes area of Aberdeen for reports of two vehicles with broken windows and purses stolen from inside. Surveillance footage was reviewed, and investigators later determined that stolen credit cards were allegedly used at businesses in Southern Pines, authorities said.
According to police, further investigation indicated similar crimes had occurred in Pembroke. On March 22, investigators were notified that Foxfire police were also investigating comparable incidents. By April 9, authorities said similar vehicle break-ins and thefts had been reported in Cornelius, North Carolina.
Police said investigators ultimately determined the suspects were allegedly part of a “felony lane gang,” a term used to describe organized groups that travel across jurisdictions committing similar crimes. Authorities said the group reportedly operated across several states, prompting a coordinated investigation among multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to police, in May, a fraudulent check belonging to one of the Aberdeen victims was cashed in Cary. Additional information obtained in June reportedly linked the suspects to similar crimes in Pinehurst. On Aug. 5, authorities said additional incidents were reported in Aberdeen near the OrangeTheory parking lot, as well as in Southern Pines and High Point.
Investigators identified several persons of interest through collaboration with the Foxfire Police Department, Southern Pines Police Department, Pinehurst Police Department, FirstHealth Hospital Police, Pittsboro Police Department, Pembroke Police Department, RDU Police, and Fuquay-Varina Police Department, among others.
On Oct. 27, police obtained warrants charging Larry Ware III, 27, of Hollywood, Florida, with two counts of felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle, two counts of felony financial card theft, two counts of financial card fraud, and two counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses.
Ware was arrested Dec. 29 by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and taken before a Rockingham County magistrate, where he was given a $25,000 secured bond, authorities said.
Two individuals were arrested after a “felony lane” investigation in Moore County in November.
All charges are allegations, and Ware is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Via Aberdeen Police Department.
