Michelle Renee Casas, a 42-year-old woman from Las Cruces, was arrested again on October 18 by the Mesilla Marshals Office for multiple charges of identity theft, fraud, and forgery. This arrest occurred just hours after she was released from incarceration related to a previous warrant issued on September 15.
Casas has a long history of identity theft and fraud-related charges dating back to 2016. The Marshals apprehended her in front of a Walmart on Valley Drive after she mistakenly believed they were there to give her a ride to her vehicle. Instead, she was taken to the Dona Ana County Detention Center.
During the booking process, Casas reportedly began banging her head on the bench and fell to the floor, prompting medical attention. After being evaluated at the hospital, she was booked into jail.
According to Lieutenant Tress Diaz of the Mesilla Marshals Office, the investigation into Casas began in April 2024. She now faces an extensive list of charges: 11 counts of fraud, 20 counts of forgery, and 61 counts of identity theft.
Additionally, law enforcement discovered several counterfeit bills and fictitious checks inside her vehicle. Victims include local businesses such as hotels, construction companies, insurance firms, and individual citizens.
“We believe there are more victims who haven’t reported their experiences with Casas,” Diaz noted.