Asheville police have arrested a woman they say was part of a criminal organization operating in western North Carolina and the upstate of South Carolina.

50 yr. old Vicki Lynn Brantley faces several charges, including identity theft, forgery, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  She's being held under $200,500 bond.  And more charges are expected.

Authorities say the group has been breaking into vehicles in the area, stealing checks and identifications, then having a woman in disguise cash the checks at various banks.  After noticing patterns to the crimes, authorities from several cities coordinated efforts to catch the criminals.

Yesterday, Asheville police received several calls about a woman, Vicki Brantley, trying to cash stolen checks at local banks.  Officers located Brantley's vehicle and arrested her.  Police also notified the U.S. Secret Service after the investigation revealed this group is operating throughout the United States.Arrest in "Criminal Organization" in NC & SC