US$10K Bribery Sends LNP Officer To Court

Former Liberia National Police Commissioner of the Crime Services Department, Johnny Bolar Dean, has been forwarded to court.

Police had earlier charged Dean with criminal conspiracy, bribery, tampering with criminal investigation, and obstruction of government functions as a public servant.

According to a police charge sheet, dated Tuesday, September 1, Dean allegedly received US$10,000 from Stephanie Fefe Mensah, while her alleged “boss-man” Edison Brown, and Alpha Bah were being investigated in connection with the US$317 million illicit drug trafficking case.

Police alleged that Dean used his official position to influence, and frustrate the investigation, disclosed confidential information, and failed to perform duties required of him as a senior police officer.

Dean reportedly admitted receiving the US$10,000, but told investigators that it was Mensah who gave him the money for “safe keeping.”

Mensah described Madam Fefe as his lover.

Investigators, however, alleged that the payment was connected to the ongoing criminal investigation.

The money was subsequently retrieved from Dean, according to the charge sheet.

The case followed an administrative investigation LNP Professional Standard Division conducted, after which Dean, and Mensah were turned over to the Crime Services Department on August 18.

Thereafter, a special investigative team headed by Harold T. Jones, subsequently conducted the criminal investigation.

The police now accused Dean of “abusing his authority as Crime Services Commissioner to have interfered with an active investigation.”

Dean has been forwarded to court for judicial determination. The allegations remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.

Meanwhile, Dean has been released on bail after securing a US$15,000 property valuation bond, following his appearance in court over allegations including bribery, criminal conspiracy, tampering with a criminal investigation, and obstruction of government functions.

Dean, who previously served as Commissioner of the LNP’s Crime Services Department, was forwarded to court after police accused him of receiving US$10,000 in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.

The court’s decision allows Dean to remain out of custody while the case proceeds through the judicial process.