Former FICAC accounts officer Marica Rokotavaga was this morning sent to jail for 2 and half years after being found guilty of 11 counts of forgery, 11 counts of uttering false documents, 11 counts of obtaining money by false pretense, along with 2 counts of falsification of documents and 2 counts of obtaining property by deception.

The Suva High Court found Rokotavaga guilty of forging 11 cheques from FICAC along with two FICAC welfare cheques totaling $15,262.05 between the 16th of October 2009 and the 25th of February 2010.

High Court judge Justice Jude Nanayakara while handing down sentence this morning stressed that Marica was employed in the prime unit of government set up to curtail the abuse of power and corruption in the country, adding that her actions were a gross breach of trust.

Justice Nanayakara added that her actions had shaken the trust and the confidence of the public in FICAC, adding that her stay at FICAC should have forewarned her that her actions were wrong.

While handing down sentence, Justice Nanayakara took into account the fact that she had a 7 month old child and was selling door mats and crochets since she could not find a job anywhere else.

For the 37 counts Rokotavaga has been found guilty of, the Suva High Court sentenced her to between 21 months to 30 months, all of which were to be served concurrently.

She has been sentenced to 2 and half years imprisonment immediately and is only eligible for parole after 20 months from today.

 
Story by: Paradise Tabucala