Darene Springs, 43, who had four cases ongoing against her for shoplifting, DUI, as well as other charges, told a county clerk in Rock Hill that she had died according to The Charlotte Observer.

Ms Springs presented herself as her own mother and gave officers a forged document from the coroner’s office stating she was dead in an attempt to get her cases dismissed.

The clerk informed police who undertook an investigation.

Ms Springs was arrested for obstructing justice and could now be jailed for ten years.