Court Officer investigated over ice pipe, alleged forgery

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 22 April 2018, 12:00AM

A Court Officer is being investigated by the Police.

The investigation follows the confiscation of a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine, also known as ice, from the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration’s compound by Police.

This was confirmed by an M.J.C.A. Assistant C.E.O., Ve’atauia Fa’atasi Puleiata, in response to questions from the Sunday Samoan. 

 “The matter has been handed over to the Police and that is all I can say,” said Ve’atauia. 

Police Superintendent, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, also confirmed the investigation.

The Sunday Samoan understands that there are other issues being investigated.

“They are also looking into allegations of personal cheques being forged.

“This Officer of the Court found personal cheques then allegedly forged signatures and used the money gained for his personal use.

“One of the cheques was used at a store in Papauta which bounced and that’s when the M.J.C.A. Manager was informed and only then he found out his blank cheques were missing."

“The owner of the store and the Manager viewed the cameras and identified the Court Officer,” said the Police Officer. 

Court employees witnessed as the Court Officer was taken in for questioning by the Police on the matter. 

Auapa’au did not respond to questions as to how much money was involved in the alleged forgery case. 

He also did not address the queries whether the Police will take the glass pipe in for testing, whether the police intend to file criminal charges in the case. 

“All I can I say is that investigation is underway and I cannot discuss the details of the pending investigation,” said Auapa’au. 

The M.J.C.A. Chief Executive Officer, Papali’i John Taimalelagi, declined to answer whether any personnel action will be taken in this matter.  

He also denied knowing anything pertaining to the glass pipe used to smoke ice confiscated by the Police. 

“I have no knowledge of anything and that is all I am going to say to you.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 22 April 2018, 12:00AM

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