By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice has denied a motion filed by former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmon seeking a separate trial from his co-defendants in a major economic crimes case involving several former officials of the George M. Weah administration.
Karmon had petitioned the court for severance, arguing that his defense differed from that of other accused individuals, including former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and other senior officials, and that a joint trial would prejudice his case.
According to the court records, Karmon contended “that his defence is distinct and different from the other defendants; and that trying him along with the other defendants will not give him a fair trial as same would prejudice his defence.”
However, the State opposed the motion, arguing that it was filed too late in the proceedings and lacked merit. Prosecutors maintained that all defendants were jointly indicted for acting “in concert” in the alleged commission of crimes including economic sabotage, theft of property, money laundering, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy.
In its ruling delivered on March 20, 2026, the court identified the central issue as “whether the movant having entered a plea of not guilty… is entitled to severance and separate trial after exhausting all pre-trial formalities.”
The court noted that Karmon and his co-defendants were arraigned on December 20, 2024, at which time they all pleaded not guilty. It further emphasized that all pre-trial motions had already been addressed and that jury selection began on March 3, 2025, three days before Karmon filed his motion for severance.
Critically, the court pointed out that Karmon had been represented by the same legal team as the other defendants throughout the pre-trial phase and failed to indicate any need for separate representation during that period.
The ruling also highlighted what it described as a major weakness in Karmon’s argument. “The movant has neglected to show how his defence will be prejudiced if he is tried with the other defendants,” the court stated, adding that “mere allegation does not constitute proof; and the burden of proof rests upon the party who alleges a fact.”
Citing Section 16.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law, the court reiterated that severance is not automatic but rests within judicial discretion, particularly when defendants are jointly indicted. The court further referenced the Supreme Court’s opinion in Horace et al. v. Republic, which held that defendants are not entitled to separate trials unless “good cause” is clearly demonstrated.
Applying this principle, the court concluded that Karmon failed to provide “clear-cut specific reasons” to justify a separate trial, especially after pre-trial procedures had been completed. The judges stressed that granting such a motion without sufficient justification would undermine the intent of the law.
The court ultimately ruled that “the motion for severance and separate trial should be and the same is hereby denied and dismissed,” ordering that the case proceed jointly against all defendants.
