By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Salisbury woman hired to clean a local home is accused of doing more than cleaning.

Rowan County authorities said the woman opened a credit card account in the name of the man who hired her and used the card.

She was charged with identity theft.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 28 charged Linaill Dionne Lewis, 52, of the 200 block of West D Avenue, Apartment 64, with misdemeanor larceny, five counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and one count of felony identity theft.

Authorities say the crimes occurred Dec. 22 and Dec. 28. James Beacham said reported that a woman who was recommended to him to clean his home had been stealing from him since about October.

Beacham said he began to see some things missing from his home. Officials said Lewis pawned items stolen from Beacham’s house at area pawn shops.

Beacham also discovered that a credit card was opened in his name with an address listed for Lewis.

Authorities said Lewis apparently had been pawning items since October. She received the credit card Nov. 24 and began making purchases Dec. 5. According to credit card statements, she made five purchases throughout December.

Lewis used the credit card to make what could be deemed practical payments, including the purchase of a Globe Life accident and life insurance policy; a bill with Straight Talk Wireless and one for Duke Energy; auto insurance with Geico; and merchandise from O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Arrest warrants say Lewis pawned a gold necklace at EZ Pawn and Jewelry.