(Newser)
–
A Wisconsin beauty pageant winner's quest to become Miss USA has been derailed now that she's been charged with three counts of identity theft, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. When working for a marketing company last summer, Shaletta Porterfield allegedly faked the signatures of three business owners on contracts. The businesses called the cops after they were asked to proof ads that they had never employed the company to create.
She has pleaded not guilty, but she was forced to relinquish her Miss Wisconsin USA title to avoid possible embarrassment to the pageant. "It's unfortunate, but she has a lot going for her, and she's ready to move on," said her lawyer, who added that Porterfield gained no money from her actions. He expects to reach a deferred prosecution agreement before the case goes to trial in July. The Miss USA competition will be held next month.
