Published: December 30, 2024
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – A bailiff at the Temple of Justice has been jailed for 30 days after boldly impersonating a lawyer and appearing in court to represent clients.
Prince Koon, employed as a messenger at Criminal Court A, was sentenced on December 30, 2024, by Resident Judge Joe S. Barcon of the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Buchanan. Koon falsely claimed to have graduated from the Lewis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia and posed as legal counsel on two occasions, December 23 and December 30, prompting immediate suspicion.
Following an investigation, Koon admitted he had no legal training or qualifications. His fraudulent actions led to his arrest and swift sentencing by Judge Barcon, who condemned the deception as a serious affront to the judiciary’s integrity.
“Such behavior undermines public confidence in the legal system and will not be tolerated,” Judge Barcon said while handing down the sentence.
The judge also announced plans to formally notify Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh to ensure stricter measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Koon’s arrest has sparked public outcry, with legal professionals and citizens alike calling for reforms to strengthen oversight and verification processes within Liberia’s judicial system.
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