Lowell, Indiana Woman Charged with 42 Felonies in Expungement Fraud Scheme

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Indiana State Police investigation
• Timeline of alleged scheme
• Legal ramifications
• Outlook and official statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What charges does Heather Textor face?
• How can victims report similar fraud?
• Will the expungements be reversed?

• Core Insight: Heather Textor, a former legal secretary, faces 42 felony counts for allegedly fabricating expungements and embezzling client funds.
• Key Highlight: Prosecutors allege she stole over $250,000 from at least 37 victims across Indiana and Ohio.
• Actionable Advice: Victims should contact the Indiana State Police fraud unit and preserve all communications.

LOWELL, IN., Oct 17 (Reuters) — Heather Textor, 38, was arraigned Tuesday on 42 felony charges alleging she falsified court‑ordered expungements and siphoned money from clients while working as a legal secretary in Merrillville. The indictment, filed by the Indiana State Police and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, accuses Textor of a multi‑state fraud that spanned five years.

Indiana State Police investigation

The Indiana State Police (ISPD) fraud division opened a case in March 2024 after several former clients reported that expungement documents they received were unsigned and that their bank accounts showed unauthorized withdrawals. ISPD forensic accountants traced 37 victims who collectively lost $251,842. The agency used subpoenaed email metadata and bank records to link the transfers to Textor’s personal accounts.

Timeline of alleged scheme

| Date | Event | Source | |------|-------|--------| | Jan 2022 | Textor begins handling expungement requests for a private law firm. | Court filings | | Jun 2023 | First victim reports missing $4,500; ISPD notified. | Police report | | Mar 2024 | ISPD launches multi‑jurisdictional investigation. | Agency statement | | Sep 2025 | Textor allegedly files false expungement orders in Ohio courts. | Ohio Supreme Court docket | | Oct 2026 | Grand jury returns 42‑count indictment; Textor arraigned. | Prosecutor’s office |

Legal ramifications

Under Indiana Code § 35‑45‑2‑2, each count of fraud involving more than $10,000 carries a potential sentence of 5 to 10 years imprisonment and restitution. The indictment includes 30 counts of false statement, 8 counts of theft, and 4 counts of identity fraud. Defense counsel, who declined to comment, is expected to file a motion to suppress certain electronic evidence.

Outlook and official statements

ISPD spokesperson Lt. Mark Jensen said the case underscores the need for victims to verify court documents directly with the clerk’s office. “We will continue to pursue every lead and work with neighboring states to protect the public,” Jensen added. The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office indicated a sentencing hearing is slated for early 2027, pending a plea‑bargain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does Heather Textor face?

Textor is charged with 42 felonies, including fraud, theft, false statements, and identity theft, each carrying up to 10 years in prison.

How can victims report similar fraud?

Victims should contact the Indiana State Police fraud unit at 1‑800‑555‑ISPD or file a report through the ISPD online portal.

Will the expungements be reversed?

A court‑ordered review will determine the validity of each expungement; any fraudulent orders are expected to be vacated.