MONROVIA — A high-profile trial at Criminal Court “A” has been suspended on Friday, November 21, 2025, as Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie launches an extensive investigation into alleged irregularities in the jury selection process.
The suspension follows repeated objections from the Prosecution, questionable communications to the Court, and newly surfaced documents from Jury Management officials that raised fresh concerns.
The controversy began when prosecutors sought to remove juror J30-9796, claiming he had served within the past 12 months which would violate the Jury Law. Judge Willie rejected the objection, noting that the State provided no evidence. Subpoenaed Jury Management officials later confirmed that the juror had served during the May 2024 Term, making him eligible to serve.
The situation escalated when the Court received what Judge Willie described as an “irregular communication” regarding the same juror, as Delbert Matonia (ID: J30-9116). The origin of the communication remains unclear, prompting the Court to expand its investigation.
In response, subpoenas have been issued for several officials, including the Assistant Minister for Human Resources, the Director of the Jury Management Database, the Jury Comptroller, and a GSM company to release mobile-money records linked to the juror.
Judge Willie also revealed that new documents were submitted by both the current Jury Manager, Cllr. Andrew Nimley, and the former Jury Manager, now Assistant Court Administrator, Cllr. Alice Sirleaf. Both officials have appeared in court following fresh subpoenas.
The Defense objected, arguing they were not notified and that the issue had already been settled. Despite the objection, the Court has frozen all proceedings until Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10 a.m.
The ongoing probe is expected to determine whether clerical errors, administrative negligence, or deliberate interference influenced the jury selection process.
