-Over Alleged Misappropriation of US$20,894
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Six former officials of the Liberia National Tailors Union are currently facing multiple criminal charges in the Monrovia City Court for allegedly unlawfully withdrawing and misappropriating US$20,894 from the union’s account.
The defendants—Reed Stewart, Alberthan Smith, Augustine Sahr, Amadou D. Barry, Morris Kendolin, and others yet to be identified—were arrested following a writ of arrest issued by the court. The charges against them include misapplication of entrusted property, theft, criminal conspiracy, and impersonation of officials, all stemming from a complaint filed by the Tailors Union and its Board of Directors.
After spending nearly an entire day in custody, the defendants were released on a temporary bond with a directive to return to court on Friday.
According to court records, the Union alleges that the defendants, who held key positions within the organization, conspired to withdraw US$2,000 from the union’s account unlawfully on September 25, 2024. The records indicate that Stewart and Smith, as signatories to the account, colluded with other co-defendants to carry out this unauthorized withdrawal.
Furthermore, the defendants allegedly requested an additional US$2,194 under the guise of reimbursing creditors, along with US$2,700 intended for inaugural funds, and US$14,000 in tax collector fees. In total, these transactions amount to US$20,894, which the Union claims was unlawfully diverted for the personal use of the defendants.
The court documents also reveal that on November 15, 2024, the defendants presented certificates in Gbanga without the consent of the Board of Directors, thereby misrepresenting their authority and obtaining value under false pretenses.
The court records characterize the defendants’ actions as unlawful, willful, and intentional, violating several provisions of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia, including Sections 12.35, 10.4, 15.56, and 15.51.
