Published: February 5, 2026
MONROVIA — The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Special Investigation Panel has cleared Assistant Director of Prisons for Operations, Lawrence G. Bohlen, of allegations linked to the reported theft of a presidential rice donation intended for the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP).
According to the panel, a review of statements, official records, and supporting evidence found no substantiated act of rice theft connected to Bohlen. The findings follow Bohlen’s suspension after a leaked audio recording surfaced in late December 2025, triggering public controversy and calls for accountability.
The investigation stems from a donation of one hundred (100) bags of 25kg rice made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. to the Monrovia Central Prison as a Christmas goodwill gesture.
Preliminary reports initially suggested discrepancies in the handling of the donation. While official records indicated the full quantity was delivered, only seventy-five (75) bags were reportedly accounted for at the time, leaving twenty-five (25) bags unaccounted for and sparking widespread concern.
In response, the Ministry of Justice established a Special Investigation Panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the handling, documentation, and distribution of the rice.
In its final report, the panel said all one hundred bags were properly accounted for through documentation and testimony.
“All one hundred (100) bags of rice donated by the Office of the President were properly accounted for through documentation and testimony,” the Ministry said in a release.
The panel explained that seventy-five (75) bags were delivered and officially logged at the Monrovia Central Prison. It added that nine (9) bags were signed for and distributed to Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) staff, consistent with established festive-season practice.
The remaining sixteen (16) bags, the panel said, are currently in the possession of a BCR officer and are pending further distribution.
The panel also reported that there is an established precedent within the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation for distributing donated items to staff during festive seasons. It referenced a similar distribution exercise carried out in July 2025.
According to the panel, this longstanding practice contributed to the breakdown in understanding and the public dispute over the missing bags.
While clearing Bohlen of wrongdoing, the panel identified major communication and coordination failures within the BCR chain of command. It concluded that these gaps played a key role in the confusion and misunderstanding that escalated into a national controversy.
The panel recommended strengthened internal communication, improved documentation of senior management decisions, and standardized procedures for receiving and distributing donations.
It also called for administrative measures aimed at strengthening record-keeping and accountability across the BCR.
Based on its findings, the panel recommended the immediate reinstatement and clearance of Assistant Director Bohlen.
In response, the Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform. The Ministry said it will take steps to review and implement the panel’s recommendations to improve governance and operational integrity within the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The Ministry concluded by urging the public to rely on verified information and official communication, as the justice sector continues efforts to strengthen internal systems and procedures.
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