SOUTH BOARDMAN, MICH. (WWJ) -- A Northern Michigan woman is facing several charges after she stole her dead mother's identity.
The alleged identity theft and illegal use of a credit card by a family member was reported by someone back in April, according to Michigan State Police in Kakaska County.
The man stated that his 34-year-old sister, Sarah-Lea Marie Helsel, from South Boardman, had made multiple charges on their recently deceased mother's credit card -- totaling over $12,000.
Helsel was also accused of using her dead mother's identity to apply for additional credit cards.
During a search of Helsel's home, evidence was seized and a report was turned over to the prosecutor. An arrest warrant was authorized on July 17.
Helsel turned herself in on Wednesday.
Helsel was arraigned on one count of identity theft, one count of false statement of identity for financial transaction device, one count of stealing/retain financial transactions device without consent and one count of false pretenses over $999 but less than $20,000.
Her bond was set at $10,000, 10% cash surety.
