Published: August 20, 2024
MONROVIA — Criminal Court ‘E’ at the Temple of Justice, presided over by Judge Serena F. Garlawulo, has granted bail to George Wade, also known as Nicholas Jack Davis, who was indicted on charges of rape and theft of property.
By Melvin Jackson, Contributing Writer
Wade, a notorious criminal by reputation, was released on a bond valued at USD 25,000, secured by Sky Insurance Company. The court’s decision to grant bail is based on the categorization of the alleged crime as second-degree rape, which is eligible for bail unless it involves statutory rape of minors.
According to Chapter 13.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law, any person charged with a non-capital offense is entitled to bail as a matter of right. This provision also covers those convicted of lesser offenses who are awaiting appeal. Chapter 13.3 further elaborates on the process, stating that a person granted bail must execute a bond, with security measures outlined under the Civil Procedure Law.
The indictment against Wade, brought by the Grand Jury of Montserrado County during the August term, labels him a “sex predator” and “vampire” with criminal intent. The indictment alleges that Wade lured his victim to Room 320 of the Royal Grand Hotel under the false pretense of a meeting with the President of Liberia. Upon arrival, the defendant reportedly coerced the victim, threatened harm, and proceeded to sexually abuse her after taking compromising photos.
The prosecution contends that Wade’s actions violate the Penal Code, Chapter 14.70. Rape, defined as intentionally penetrating another person’s body without consent, is considered a felony of the first degree under these circumstances.
The defendant was released under surety provided by Pinky Abu, a former convict sentenced to 25 years for murder by Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court “A.” Abu, who served five years before her sentence was reduced to manslaughter by the Supreme Court, was released after serving her time.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has filed a motion to rescind Wade’s bond, citing its insufficiency. The motion argues that the bond, issued by Sky International Insurance Company, does not clarify which of the four indictments it covers, despite two of the charges carrying maximum life sentences. Additionally, the prosecution highlighted that properties allegedly stolen by the defendant are valued at USD 17,000.
The prosecution maintains that gang rape, particularly when accompanied by a deadly threat, constitutes a first-degree felony, making it non-bailable under the 2005 Amended Rape Law. The law states that first-degree rape includes cases involving gang rape, severe injury to the victim, or the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon.
The legal battle over Wade’s release is expected to continue as the prosecution pushes to overturn the court’s decision and revoke the bond.
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