Woman pleads guilty to forging Judge's signature

A woman accused of forging a Judge’s signature in order to process adoption papers has pleaded guilty to all charges against her. 

Vinetta Lagoto Lapana, of Tapueleele Savai’i and Vailima, entered her plea through lawyer, Tanya Toailoa, on Monday. 

She pleaded guilty to seven charges of forgery and obtaining by deception. 

Ms. Lapana allegedly forged the signature of District Court Judge, Talasa Atoa Saaga, obtaining $2,600 in the cause of processing the adoption paperwork. 

Lawyer, Ann Matalasi, had filed a motion to withdrawn two charges against the defendant leaving seven final charges.

Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke adjourned the matter for sentence on 15 December 2020. 

He ordered the defendant to be remanded on bail with the same bail conditions until her sentencing date. 

Ms. Lapana was employed by a private law firm when she committed the offence.