Monrovia – Police in Monrovia are investigating a pastor-in-training, identified as Levite at the Garden of Prayer Church of God, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old student within the church compound in Jamaica Road Community, Bushrod Island.
Henry Kpalleh believed to be in his 30s, was arrested by the Liberia National Police on Thursday, December 12, 2024, following a complaint from the victim’s parents. The parents reported that their daughter’s health had been deteriorating rapidly, and their investigation revealed the alleged abuse.
Kpalleh, who also serves as the dean of students at Frazer Memorial Institute, allegedly had multiple sexual encounters with the survivor, resulting in serious injuries to her rectum and vagina. Despite these allegations, Kpalleh maintains his innocence and is currently in police custody.
Medical reports confirm that the survivor has sustained severe lacerations in both her vaginal and anal areas, necessitating advanced medical care. The survivor disclosed to her parents that the abuse started in September and that she was threatened by Kpalleh, who said she would die if she told anyone.
“Every day at recess period, he would tell me to go to his room. Then he would come and do the thing to me,” the victim recounted. “Sometimes in my butt. He says when I tell anyone I will die.”
Despite Kpalleh’s denial of the allegations, describing the victim as a stubborn student, the victim’s family claims they have faced harassment from Kpalleh’s family, friends, and church members, urging them to pardon the pastor.
The survivor’s family expressed that the presence of Kpalleh’s supporters has been traumatizing for the already distressed child. They reported that these individuals have used profane language against the victim, insisting on Kpalleh’s innocence and undermining the medical reports confirming the abuse.
“They even tried attacking the survivor, saying that ‘the girl doesn’t look like someone that was raped; maybe she had her boyfriend,’” the family recounted. “They threatened, noting that the medical report which confirmed that the girl was tampered with was false and misleading.”
The parents of the survivor have voiced their deep frustration with the school’s administration for allegedly siding with the accused and refusing to assist in the ongoing investigation. They claim that the school has remained silent despite being aware of the accusations and has shown no support for their daughter.
“We are deeply disappointed in the school. They are supposed to protect children, but instead, they have chosen to stay quiet, as if nothing happened,” said the victim’s mother. The father added, “The administration is clearly taking sides with the accused. They’ve made no effort to support the investigation or stand by our daughter. This is a betrayal of trust.”
The alleged assaults reportedly took place during school hours in Kpalleh’s private room on campus, where he worked as a primary teacher and administrator. Despite these allegations, the school has not issued a public statement or engaged with investigators, according to the parents.
The lack of involvement from the school has drawn criticism from child rights advocates and community leaders, who describe the school’s silence as deeply troubling. “It is unacceptable for any school to remain silent in such a serious case. Institutions have to protect children and cooperate fully with investigations into allegations of abuse.”
The parents are calling for swift action to ensure justice is served and for educational institutions to prioritize the safety and welfare of their students. “Our daughter has already been through so much. We demand justice and accountability, not just for her, but to send a message that this kind of behavior cannot be tolerated,” the mother stated.
Meanwhile, members of Kpalleh’s family have reportedly been visiting the survivor’s residence, attempting to appeal for a compromise, further traumatizing the survivor and her family.
