Rev. Chaplain Massa David Tarnue Jr., Senior Pastor of the Free Pentecostal Global Mission Church’s Fendell Branch, has confessed in court to charges of theft and the misapplication of entrusted funds. This confession occurred during a hearing at the Bensonville Magisterial Court, following a case filed by complainant Bobby Yango, who accused Tarnue of unlawfully taking $8,075 that was meant for land purchases. Rev. Tarnue, represented by Cllr. Augustine M.W. Tebleh from the Dugbor Law Firm, was briefed on the charges and his rights. After hearing the accusations, he pleaded guilty to both charges, prompting Magistrate Quincy A.Q. Garnett to officially recognize him as a confessed defendant. In light of Tarnue’s status as a first-time offender, the court imposed a six-month sentence at Monrovia Central Prison, alongside a restitution order of $8,075. However, the sentence was suspended on the condition that Tarnue made an initial payment of $2,000 by noon on March 8, 2025. If he failed to comply, the full sentence would be enforced. When Rev. Tarnue appeared in court on March 8 without the required funds, he was taken into custody at the Bensonville Police Station. He reportedly cried and begged for his release until his legal team could arrange the payment. After spending around two hours in detention, the $2,000 payment was eventually made. Tarnue has since committed to a repayment plan, agreeing to pay $1,000 monthly, with the first installment due by April 30, 2025. Bobby Yango, the complainant and church member, expressed his deep disappointment in Tarnue, whom he had trusted. He raised concerns about the challenges of entrusting financial matters to individuals in Liberia, especially for those living abroad. Despite efforts to resolve the issue within the church, including discussions with leadership, Yango felt that Rev. Tarnue’s arrogance hindered any internal resolution. The congregation is now left to deal with the fallout of the scandal, with many expressing frustration. Yango praised Spoon Network for its ongoing coverage of the case and expressed confidence in the court’s verdict. As the legal process continues, Rev. Tarnue’s actions are reverberating within the church community and beyond. Yango is also expected to speak to the media before heading to the United States to address concerns about the pastor’s actions. Earlier, Rev. Tarnue accused Spoon Network of reporting a biased and unverified story, despite the outlet publishing all court documents on its social media platform. Courtesy: Spoon TV
