MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — A Lowell woman faces 45 criminal charges following a multiyear investigation into allegations of fraud, forgery and theft involving clients of a Merrillville law firm, Indiana State Police announced.

Heather Ann Textor, 41, was arrested Thursday afternoon by Lowell police and booked into the Lake County Jail. Investigators say the case involves fraudulent court documents, forged judicial signatures and the misuse of client funds.

The investigation began after suspicious expungement documents were submitted to the Indiana State Police Expungement Unit. Sgt. Joe White of the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit led the investigation.

Detectives uncovered fraudulent criminal-record expungement orders, falsified specialized driving privilege documents and electronic payments diverted into personal accounts, according to state police. Investigators also said Textor misrepresented her role at the law firm Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires and created fraudulent court documents that led clients to believe legal services had been completed.

Some clients who relied on the documents were arrested or incarcerated after believing their criminal records had been expunged or their driving privileges restored, state police said.

Investigators also found that fraudulent court documents were used in attempts to obtain government-issued licenses or benefits. The case required corrective action by several courts and partner organizations.

Textor faces 42 felony charges and three misdemeanor charges, including fraud, forgery, theft, counterfeiting and impersonation-related offenses. Additional charges remain under review as investigators examine digital evidence and financial records.

State police believe there may be additional victims who have not realized they were affected.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact White at 219-696-6242.