A Shelby Middle School teacher was arrested after investigators said she used a Georgia woman’s identity to fraudulently get a job with Cleveland County Schools, officials said.
Janet Yevette Martin, 58, from Chesnee, South Carolina, was charged with multiple counts of identity theft and forgery, Shelby police said.
Someone in Atlanta found out their Social Security was being used by someone else.
On Aug. 15, Shelby Police were alerted to the case involving the misuse of the Social Security number, police said.
As a result of the investigation, warrants were issued for Martin on Sept. 22. She faced charges including two counts of identity theft, two counts of forgery of an instrument, two counts of uttering a forged instrument, and one count of obtaining property by false pretenses.
Martin was known as Janet Brown at Shelby Middle School, district officials stated.
Martin was arrested in South Carolina on Sept. 23 on unrelated fraud charges. She later waived extradition and was served with the North Carolina warrants, Shelby police said.
On March 22, 2021, Shelby Middle School posted on Facebook for it’s teacher spotlight that Martin taught two subjects for seventh-grade students.
“She has gone above and beyond to help her students grow during this school year and given them opportunities to express themselves through various projects,” the post read. “Mrs Brown is also for our staff by helping keep our spirits up on an ongoing basis with her work through the Sunshine Committee. Thank you for being #4Shelby Mrs Brown!”
Martin was hired March 1, 2007, and is no longer an employee, the school district stated in a news release Thursday afternoon.
“I was shocked,” said former student Amira Parker. “Very much shocked. She would give you advice for anything ... if something was wrong, she would talk to you like a normal person would do.”
Full statement from school district:
“Cleveland County Schools is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for all students by ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment. To support this mission, the district maintains comprehensive policies and procedures for selecting and retaining highly qualified teachers, administrators, and staff.
“‘All school system employees hold positions of public trust; they are responsible for the education of students and also serve as examples and role models to students. Each employee is responsible for both the integrity and the consequences of his or her own actions. The highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness must be exhibited by each employee when engaging in any activity concerning the school system.’ (Policy 7000, Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct)
“In accordance with state law and procedures established by the Superintendent, a criminal history check is conducted on all final candidates for employment.
“We can confirm that Janet Martin (also known as “Janet Brown”) was hired by Cleveland County Schools on March 1, 2007. She is no longer employed by the district.
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