By Jacqueline Dennis
MONROVIA – Criminal Court “C” Judge Joe S. Barkon, at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, has sentenced Peach H. Bility, son of Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility, to four years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the crime levied against him.
On Thursday, July 18, 2025, Judge Barkon said in his ruling that Bility entered a guilty plea voluntarily with remorse, and that the eight months of pre-trial detention period would be deducted. Peach is now expected to be incarcerated for 38 months.
He said Bility shall be released to the authorities of the Division of Probation Services at the Ministry of Justice, for counseling and Probation services, including rehabilitation, which shall prepare him for reintegration into Society and make a meaningful contribution.
Judge Barkon, ordered the court clerk to transmit his ruling to the authorities of the Monrovia Central Prison to effect the Court’s decision regarding the Defendant serving his sentence period.
Bility was standing trial for the crime of unlicensed possession and transportation of controlled substances after being indicted by the Grand Jury for Montserrado County.
At a presentence hearing on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Bility admitted his involvement with drugs and asked for a minimum sentence, and promised to change his way and serve as an ambassador to speak against the consumption of drugs after serving his sentence.
Bility informed the court of his experience when he first entered prison, “I saw a lot of people who were on drugs; their status was seen very badly, which has taught me lots of lessons. Since I came out on bail, I even decided to abstain from such a habit. So, the thought came when I got caught and taken to prison, that was when I realized the bad side of it.”
During a quizzing period at the hearing by the court where both prosecution and defense lawyers were present, Bility explained how he started taking drugs. “Socially, I used to associate myself with a group of friends, and drugs became something that they were doing constantly, and eventually, I got caught up in it. Many times, during my break from work or lunch hours, I used to go to the beach, that’s how I got friendly with these guys.”
After the court rested with questions to Bility, prosecution, informed the court that from the onset of the case to its current status, the defendant has been cooperative, he has shown remorse, and he has also been available at all times when the Court has requested to do so.
