Cleveland County Teacher Arrested for Alleged Identity Theft

Parents and students in Cleveland County were left stunned after learning that a longtime teacher has been arrested on multiple felony charges.

According to the Shelby Police Department, Janet Martin, also known as Janet Brown, is accused of using another person’s Social Security number to obtain employment with Cleveland County Schools. Investigators say Martin was hired by the district in March 2007.

She now faces several charges, including identity theft, forgery, and obtaining property by false pretenses.

The investigation began in August after Shelby police were contacted by law enforcement officials in Georgia. Authorities there reported that a woman claimed her Social Security number was being used by another individual.

Following the investigation, Martin was charged in connection with the alleged identity theft. Cleveland County Schools confirmed that Martin is no longer employed with the district and notified parents and students of her departure.