Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A former employee of Pacific Store Services, accused of stealing over $1,000 from his employer 2 years ago, has admitted to the criminal charge against him.

Manuele Taulapapa, 27, was initially charged in two separate criminal cases.

He was charged with stealing and forgery in each of the two matters.

However, under a plea agreement with the government, which was accepted by the court, Taulapapa pled guilty to forgery, a class C felony, punishable by up to seven years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

In return, the remaining charges were dismissed.

With his guilty plea, Taulapapa admits that on or about May 15, 2017 he stole money from his former employer by forging signatures on checks without permission, and later cashing the checks for his personal use.

The checks were made out to him and were in the amounts of $527, $401, and $252.

Taulapapa told the court that he did not have permission or authorization to issue and/or cash any of the checks.

Taulapapa, who is out on bail, is scheduled to re-appear in court next month for sentencing.