A Las Vegas woman has been arrested by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for allegedly posing as an attorney and filing fake documents for clients for several years. Cenia Poulsen, who is now facing charges of forgery, theft, preparing or delivering a “simulated legal document,” and offering a false instrument for a public office filing, was apprehended on January 16.
According to police, Poulsen presented herself as an attorney to individuals seeking legal assistance since January 2022. She would accept money from her clients to file documents through the court systems, but it has been discovered that these documents were fraudulent. Poulsen handled divorce cases, legal reviews, name changes, and adoptions, defrauding multiple victims in the process.
Detectives believe that Poulsen, who is reportedly married to an LVMPD officer, also forged client and judge signatures, used fake stamps on documents, created fake divorce papers, and accepted payments via Venmo and Zelle. She had labeled herself as a law office manager on LinkedIn and had previously worked for attorney Douglas Crawford, who is currently facing a criminal case for allegedly exchanging legal services for sexual acts. Poulsen also had a previous stint at Goldberg Injury Law, where she allegedly embezzled over $7,000 using company funds.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have employed Poulsen’s legal services or has additional information about the case to come forward and contact the LVMPD at 702-828-3251. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through crimestoppersofnv.com.
This incident highlights the issue of individuals posing as legal professionals and engaging in fraudulent activities. The arrest of Cenia Poulsen serves as a reminder to be cautious when seeking legal assistance and to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be attorneys.
