ASHEVILLE – The state Division of Motor Vehicles has temporarily closed its license plate office on Hendersonville Road in South Asheville because of an investigation into what the agency called "possible violations of state law."

A statement from DMV said an investigation is being conducted by its License and Theft Bureau and, "Investigators determined the alleged activity warranted temporary closure of the office."

The agency said its representatives "will perform an inventory audit of the agency, and secure equipment and supplies belonging to the state."

DMV license plate agencies like the South Asheville one are operated by private companies that contract with state government. The 125 offices handle vehicle registration services, title transactions, vehicle license plate renewals, replacement tags and duplicate vehicle registrations.

The office in South Forest Shopping Center at 780 Hendersonville Road was first closed Wednesday.

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An officer with DMV's main local office in West Asheville arrested a Fletcher woman Wednesday on three felonies, including one of using a government computer to commit fraud, but it was unclear whether the charges are related to the investigation.

Melinda Ashee Raymer, 51, of Fletcher was charged Tuesday with the illegal use of a government computer and given felony charges of making a false affidavit and taking an acknowledgement or oath without the principal appearing before a notary public with the intent to commit fraud.

An officer in the Asheville office of DMV's License and Theft Bureau brought the charges. Raymer was released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.

The warrants say the offenses occurred June 21 but give no details of what Raymer is accused of doing.

DMV spokeswoman Patrice Bethea said the agency contracts with Marchant Harman to operate the South Asheville license plate office. She declined to discuss any other aspect of the case, saying late Thursday afternoon that the investigation was still underway.

Raymer could not be reached for comment.

Three other DMV license plate agencies in the area offer the same services as the closed one at these locations:

153 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; telephone (828) 252-8526.

11 Peach Bloom Drive, Canton; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. weekdays; telephone (828) 646-0091.

145 Four Seasons Mall, Hendersonville; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; telephone (828) 692-0648.

Property tax payments and registration renewals can also be handled online at MyNCDMV.gov.