Who is Heather Textor, the receptionist accused in Indiana's expungement scheme?

Heather Ann Textor, a former receptionist at a Merrillville, Indiana, law firm, faces 42 crime charges and three misdemeanors in an alleged fraud scheme. Indiana State Police said that she took money from people who wanted to clear their criminal records. She gave them fake court documents. Investigators said that some people discovered the alleged fraud years later. They faced problems with background checks or traffic cases. Textor was arrested on October 15, 2026, and taken to the Lake County Jail.

Who is Heather Textor?

Heather Ann Textor, Lowell, Indiana, woman who previously worked at Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C., a law firm in Merrillville. According to Indiana State Police, she worked at the firm's front desk and often served as the first point of contact for people seeking legal help. Police told that Textor started working at the firm in 2017, as per CBS News.

Police allege that the documents Textor gave clients were not genuine court orders. Investigators say some contained forged judicial signatures and listed attorneys who had not agreed to represent those clients. According to CBS News Chicago, Textor allegedly gave clients receipts from a separate receipt book. Those clients' names did not appear in the law firm's computerized client system, police said.


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Investigators also allege that she used Cash App and PayPal accounts set up in the firm's name to direct payments into her personal bank account.

How was the alleged scheme discovered?

Indiana State Police said the investigation began in November 2023, after a man became suspicious of documents he believed showed that his criminal record had been expunged.

According to CBS News Chicago, the man later tried to buy a firearm. A background check showed that a conviction still prevented him from making the purchase, despite the paperwork he had received.

Police said the same man had previously faced a problem during a job application because of the conviction. He showed the documents to the prospective employer and was hired, which delayed the discovery of the alleged fraud.

Investigators then examined the documents and began looking into other cases. According to police, the inquiry uncovered more suspected fake expungement orders, forged signatures and payments that were not recorded in the firm's normal system.

How many people were allegedly affected?

Indiana State Police said they had identified at least 40 possible victims. CBS News Chicago reported that clients often paid between $800 and $1,500. Some later faced problems because they believed their criminal records or traffic cases had been cleared.

Investigators said at least two people believed their driving-related matters had been resolved. They later discovered outstanding warrants after traffic stops because they had missed court appearances in cases they thought had been handled.

ABC7 Chicago reported that one alleged victim, Lamar Cheairs, paid Textor $980 for help with an expungement. Cheairs said he learned that the work had not been completed when he tried to buy a firearm about a year later.

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Cheairs told ABC7 that the delay affected his efforts to move forward with his life and pursue his career goals. He said he was eventually able to clear his record.

What has the law firm said?

Indiana State Police said the law firm was not under investigation and had cooperated with authorities. CBS News Chicago reported that police said the firm did not know about the alleged scheme while it was happening. The outlet also said it contacted the firm, which declined to comment. ABC7 Chicago reported that a partner at the firm told investigators Textor had been fired in 2023.