One of Dawson County's most wanted was apprehended last week, some 18 months after authorities say she stole several thousand dollars from a local woman.

Ashley Nicole Elliot, 27, of Powder Springs faces 14 felony charges in connection with the alleged financial identity fraud. She also has been charged with felony forgery in the first degree and theft by deception, a misdemeanor.

Dawson County Sheriff's Investigator Jarrett Simpson said Elliot, who was arrested Friday in Cobb County, had been on the run since February 2012.

"Our warrants division put a lot of time and effort into tracking her down," he said.

According to Simpson, Elliot and her boyfriend, who was not charged in the case, were having a difficult time "getting on their feet" when a family friend invited them to move in with her.

"The victim opened her home in Big Canoe to them," he said. "But then during the course of that time, from October 2011 to the beginning of January 2012, the suspect took and forged approximately 20 checks, signed them and cashed them here and in surrounding jurisdictions."

The checks totaled more than $5,000.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Elliot remained in custody. Bond has not been set.

Simpson added that she also faces active probation warrants in other jurisdictions.