A senior education officer charged with 33 counts of forgery, uttering forged documents and obtaining money by virtue of a forged instrument appeared in the Labasa court yesterday.

Joe Turagasau, who is the principal signatory of Ratu Meri Catholic Primary School, allegedly forged the signature of Ratu Peni Rasagare on 11 different occasions between September and December 2002 and withdrew over $13,000 for personal use whereas three signatories were needed to withdraw the money.

Turagasau pleaded not guilty to his charges and the matter has been adjourned till tomorrow.