MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation–Criminal Intelligence Division (NBI-CRID) arrested a woman posing as a lawyer in Tarlac City for syndicated estafa through falsification of public documents and several other criminal offenses.

In a statement, the NBI said the suspect, identified as Jenny Macanas Sapad, who also used the aliases “Shiela Castillo” and “Angel Roxas y Sotero,” was apprehended for violating Article 178 (Use of Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) and Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority and Official Function) under the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as well as provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175).

The operation, conducted under the supervision of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), stemmed from a complaint accusing Sapad of pretending to be a lawyer and deceiving a complainant into giving her ₱5 million in exchange for a supposed favorable court resolution over a disputed piece of land.

According to investigators, the suspect presented fake receipts and forged court documents bearing the signatures of a judge and a clerk of court from the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) of Tarlac and Camiling to make her scheme appear legitimate.

Verification later revealed that the suspect’s name does not appear in the Supreme Court’s Office of the Bar Confidant records nor in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) roster of licensed lawyers.

After confirming the suspect’s illegal activities, NBI-CRID agents launched an entrapment operation. While the initial meeting was supposed to take place at the Tarlac Hall of Justice, the suspect instructed the complainant to meet at a fast-food restaurant in Tarlac City instead.

Agents proceeded to the new location and successfully arrested the suspect, seizing an identification card bearing the name “Angel Roxas y Sotero.” During booking, the suspect identified herself as Jenny Macanas Sapad.

She has since been presented for inquest proceedings for multiple violations, while her alleged accomplices also face charges of syndicated estafa through falsification of public documents in connection with R.A. 10175.

NBI Director Santiago commended the NBI-CRID agents for the successful operation that led to the suspect’s arrest.