A counterfeit check and identification ring was broken last week through a joint investigation by the Nye County Sheriff's Office street crimes unit and narcotics detectives.

The case was cracked with the arrest of Beth Baker, 24, of Pahrump, last Wednesday.

Deputies searched her residence at 2091 W. Bluebird Ave. and found 20 grams of methamphetamine and a computer.

Another residence at 1448 Star Road yielded deputies a plethora of equipment used for generating fake identification cards and counterfeiting checks, including numerous computers, printers, scanners, and I.D. printing equipment.

Evidence found at the latter location linked Baker to the counterfeiting scam.

A special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) assisted deputies in searching the locations.

Paperwork seized at the residence also gave deputies the names of several other people involved in what the NCSO describes as a "complex counterfeit check and identification card operation."

The investigation began at the start of January, when the NCSO received numerous reports of counterfeit and forged checks throughout the month.

The NCSO is now looking for the following individuals, who are believed to be part of the operation: Renee Machlan, Robert Machlan, Brandon Caster, Derek Hutchinson, Matthew Green, Heath Paschal, and possibly others.

The exact link between the meth trafficking and the counterfeit checks and fake I.D.'s was not made clear by the NCSO, which reported the matter is still under investigation.

Baker was booked on charges of possession, sale, and maintaining a place to sell methamphetamine, eight counts of utter forged instrument, eight counts of grand larceny, conspiracy, eight counts of forgery, use of another person's I.D., trafficking in methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Her willingness to attempt to use other people's money is now going to cost her $240,632 to get bailed out of jail.