Bomi County – The Resident Judge, T. Ciapha Carey, of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court in Bomi County has investigated and sentenced three persons to prison for Jury Tampering in a Statutory Rape case after a jury verdict of “Not Guilty”.
The Judge’s investigative report led to a local county authority, George Qulier (commonly known as “Gio Governor”), being sentenced to thirty (30) days’ imprisonment and a fine of US$200 for contempt of court after being found guilty of jury tampering.
Judge Carey’s ruling has sent shockwaves through many in the public who believed that a jury cannot be recalled after a verdict is rendered and the jury is discharged. The case is believed to be similar to the recent disbandment of a jury at Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, wherein the former Finance Minister, Samuel Tweah, and others were involved, and 15 jurors were investigated and found guilty of jury tampering and sent to the Monrovia Central Prison.
In the investigative report of the jury tampering, Judge Carey ruled that jurors Marcus Seh and Kunwon Tulay were guilty of jury misconduct. He therefore sentenced them to thirty (30) days’ imprisonment at the Tubmanburg Central Prison, with forfeiture of their juror compensation.
The court further set aside the jury’s majority verdict in the statutory rape case of defendant George Bongar, ordered his re-arrest and incarceration, and granted a new trial.
The ruling followed an investigation into a Bill of Information filed by the prosecution, which revealed that jurors Seh and Tulay were in constant communication with Qulier during Bongar’s trial. Their actions influenced the jury’s majority verdict of “Not guilty” delivered on June 17, 2026.
All three admitted to jury tampering during the investigation. Judge Carey cited Chapter 18, Section 18.5.2 of the Judiciary Law, which prescribes up to 30 days imprisonment or a fine of US$200 for jurors who violate their oath. He also referenced the Supreme Court’s opinion in McCauley v. Doe (1973), which held that prejudicial jury behavior is grounds for a new trial.
Defendant Bongar was initially arrested on April 4, 2026, and charged with statutory rape. Following the jury’s dismissal, the prosecution filed its Bill of Information on July 6, 2026, alleging improper communications between jurors and individuals in Bomi County.
This marks the second time in a week that Liberian courts have punished jurors and individuals for misconduct. Many citizens believe these actions will serve as a deterrent and help restore integrity to the judicial system.”
Source: Liberia Judiciary.
