SHIZUOKA (TR) – Police have referred Maki Takubo, a former mayor of Ito City, to prosecutors for allegedly fabricating her academic background, reports Nippon News Network (Feb. 28).
On February 27, Takubo was referred to the Shizuoka District Public Prosecutors Office on suspicion of violating the Local Autonomy Act.
During an election campaign, Takubo is alleged to have falsely claimed that she was a graduate of Toyo University.
Takubo has already faced multiple criminal charges, including violating the Public Offices Election Act. Police have been conducting voluntary questioning of her and conducted a search of her home on February 14.
Takuko told police that she denies that the allegations. “I deny the commission of any crime,” she said.
She also refused to submit a document that she claimed was a “diploma.”
According to the network, Takubo only completed approximately half of the credits required for graduation at Toyo University.
During her attendance at the university, 132 credits were required for graduation. However, Takubo only earned 68.
Takubo previously explained that she “cannot deny a misunderstanding.”
Takahiro Aoki, the Ito City Council Vice-Chairman, said of Takubo being referred to prosecutors: “I hope that she will be properly indicted and punished according to law.”
