MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah of District #6, Bong County, Chairperson of the House Committee on Gender, Children, and Social Protection, called upon the plenary during the session on Thursday, April 18, 2024, to launch an inquiry with the intent of impeaching Judge Nelson Chineh of Criminal Court B.
Her communication comes amidst public outrage following the not-guilty verdict for American citizen Lucas Richards, accused of attempted murder against his Liberian wife, Jessica Lloyd.
On April 17, 2024, Presiding Judge Nelson Chineh acquitted Richards of charges related to the alleged attempted murder, causing widespread public disrepute towards the government.
To provide context, Richards was indicted on December 14, 2023, by the grand jury of Montserrado County for aggravated assault and attempted murder, both second-degree felonies. The state alleged that Richards intended to harm Lloyd on September 14, 2023.
In his ruling, Judge Chineh cited Jessica Lloyd’s testimony, where she reportedly stated that Richards did not harm her, contradicting media reports. He emphasized that Lloyd’s evidence was more compelling than any other presented, and there was no evidence linking Richards to the alleged crimes.
Representative Briggs-Mensah argued that the legislature has a duty to oversee the government and act when justice is compromised. However, Speaker Fonati Koffa cautioned against questioning the judge’s decision but supported an investigation into the defense team.
The communication has been forwarded to the Gender and Judiciary Committees, with a mandate to report their findings within a week.
