A northwest Indiana woman has been charged with more than 40 felonies in connection with a fraud and forgery scheme involving clients of a Merrillville law firm, Indiana State Police said.
Heather Ann Textor, 41, of Lowell, was charged with 42 felonies and three misdemeanors following a three-year investigation. The charges are listed below:
- Fraud against a financial institution – Level 5 Felony- Five counts
- Forgery – Level 6 Felony – 13 counts
- Counterfeiting – Level 6 Felony – Two counts
- Fraud (Between $750 and $50,000) – Level 6 Felony – Five counts
- Fraud (Enhancing circumstances)- Level 6 Felony – Seven counts
- Theft (Value $750 to $50,000)- Level 6 Felony- Seven counts
- Fraud – Level 6 Felony – Three counts
Authorities said an investigation began after suspicious documents were submitted to the Indiana State Police Expungement Unit.
During the investigation, detectives uncovered fraudulent criminal‑record expungement orders, forged judicial signatures, falsified specialized driving privilege documents, unauthorized use of client funds and improperly diverting electronic payments to personal accounts, state police said.
Investigators alleged Textor misrepresented her role within the law firm and created fraudulent court documents that caused clients to believe legal services had been completed when they had not. According to authorities, several fraudulent court documents were used in attempts to obtain government‑issued licenses or benefits.
State police said some victims were arrested or jailed after being falsely led to believe their criminal records had been expunged or their driving privileges had been restored.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims. Anyone who may have been a victim is asked to contact Sgt. Joe White at 219‑696‑6242.
