The legal battle involving former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, has taken another turn, with her defense team successfully bypassing the preliminary hearing, and sent the case to Circuit Court for a full trial.
Madam Taylor’s lawyers filed a motion before the Monrovia City Court requesting that the preliminary hearing be withdrawn, and the case transferred to the Circuit Court.
Prosecution did not object to the defense motion.
Magistrate Ben Barco, after considering the motion, granted the request, and ordered the clerk of court to forward the case to the Circuit Court.
“It is hereby ordered,” Magistrate Barco ruled to defense reuest.
The ruling effectively brings the preliminary hearing proceedings at the Monrovia City Court to an end, and moves the case into the Circuit Court, where the substantive trial proceedings are expected to take place.
The latest development marks a major procedural shift in the case, and sets the stage for what could become a closely watched trial involving Madam Taylor.
The case has attracted public attention, “because of Madam Taylor’s prominent position.
However, prosecutors accused her of drug trafficking, money laundering, unlicensed importation, sale, distribution, and transportation of controlled substances, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and criminal solicitation.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Madam Taylor remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
