LAS VEGAS, NV – A 38-year-old woman who posed as a licensed attorney for years in Las Vegas has pleaded guilty to forgery and theft after authorities say she collected money from clients while submitting fraudulent legal documents, including forged judges’ signatures. The case unraveled after victims discovered filings they believed were legitimate—such as divorce decrees and adoption paperwork—were never valid.
Cenia Delpozo reached a plea agreement following her arrest, with terms calling for a prison sentence ranging from five to 15 years, according to a report from KLAS. Prosecutors said the scheme spanned multiple types of cases, impacting clients seeking divorces, adoptions, and other legal services.
Investigators said Delpozo had never been licensed with the Nevada State Bar, despite presenting herself as an attorney. She previously worked as a paralegal.
Fraud scheme spanned divorces, adoptions, and legal filings
“Through the course of the investigation, detectives believe Delpozo portrayed herself as an attorney since January 2022 and accepted money to ‘file documents’ through the court systems,” police wrote in a release. “These services included divorces, legal reviews/insights, name changes, and adoptions defrauding multiple victims.”
Court records cited by KLAS detail how one couple paid nearly $1,500 for what they believed was a finalized divorce, only to later learn the documents were falsified and included a forged judicial signature. In another instance, Delpozo allegedly submitted fraudulent adoption paperwork and charged fees for reviewing legal documents while falsely claiming professional credentials.
Victims also reported misleading explanations when they questioned the status of their cases. In one exchange, Delpozo allegedly blamed delays on a judge, telling a client the judge had “kill[ed] herself 2 to 3 weeks ago,” according to court documents cited in the report.
Financial deception and false credentials alleged
Beyond legal filings, investigators say Delpozo obtained more than $15,000 from a coworker under the pretense of medical expenses for a sick parent, but instead used the money for personal travel. Authorities also allege she misrepresented herself as a notary public and accepted additional fees tied to that claim.
When questioned by police, Delpozo declined to have legal representation present during the interview, according to the report.
The case highlights gaps in verification that allowed the scheme to continue for an extended period before victims raised concerns with law enforcement.
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