A Lauderdale County woman is facing 51 counts of identity theft and one count of theft of property after allegedly stealing over $45,000 from dozens of victims while working at Cash Express in Florence, according to NBC affiliate WAFF 48.

Police say Ashley Phillips used customer information to open fraudulent loans and kept the money for herself. The scheme was uncovered after the company noticed an unusual spike in loan activity and conducted an internal audit.

Phillips was fired when the case was reported in September 2023 . After a grand jury indictment, she was arrested Tuesday and is being held on a $1.56 million bond .

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more victims may still come forward.

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