Monrovia – Bishop Manasseh Conto of the Today Holy Church in the Borough of New Kru Town, Bushrod Island has been set free temporarily from the Monrovia Central Prison on bail after spending three nights behind bars.
Judge Emery Paye of Criminal Court “C” ordered the release of the detained bishop when his legal team filed a criminal appearance bond via the International Insurance Company in the amount of US$468,336.00
“Know all men by these present, that I, Steven Kettor, Bishop Manaseh Conto to be identified, defendants principle and International Insurance Company (Liberia) represented by its authorized corporate officer, surety,” stated the Criminal Appearance Bond.
FrontPage Africa has reliably learnt that though the court has accepted to free the indicted clergyman on the insurance bond, there are plans underway by state lawyers to challenge the bond in a bid to ensure it has met all legal requirements.
The Criminal Appearance Bond of Bishop Conto, if challenged and is established by the prosecution lawyers that it is defective and insufficient, will be set aside and the clergyman will be rearrested and detained until he can make the bond valid, a legal source speaking on the basis of anonymity said.
Last Tuesday, Bishop Conto and two other defendants, Steven Kettor and a man only identified as Smith, were ordered arrested by the court and indicted on two-count charges of theft of property and misapplication of entrusted property.
Court sources say the clergyman was released by the court to a court officer on grounds that he would be brought back at a later date; but two days later, he was ordered rearrested and detained at the Monrovia Central Prison.
The three defendants’ indictment was predicated upon a formal complaint filed by a Korean National, Hungchi Choi who is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Korean Trading Company, involved in car rental services and sale of vehicles spare parts in the country.
The indictment against the three defendants indicated that in July 2014, defendant Steven Kettor was employed as general manager of the Korean Trading Company and that during the Ebola crisis, Choi left for Korea, leaving defendant Kettor in charge.
Also, the indictment stated that while serving as general manager of the Korean Trading Company, defendant Kettor entered into vehicle rental contract with the World Food Program (WFP) valued at US$18,445 monthly for five months from October 13, 2014 to January 12, and up to March 2014 in the name of SAC’S Group, a company he allegedly created along with co-defendant Bishop Manasseh Conto and Smith.
The indictment furthered that for the purpose of siphoning money from the Korean Trading Corporation during the period KTC provided car rental services, defendants Kettor and co-defendants received from KTC EcoBank Account the amount of US$92,225.
Out of that amount, the indictment said KTC received only US$31,320, leaving the balance of US$60,905 unaccounted for.
The indictment continued that the co-defendants rented two pick-up trucks belonging to the company to US Marines and co-defendant Kettor received US$17,875 but only paid US$1,000 to the company, failing to account for a balance of US$16,875.
“The defendants act is contrary to 4LCLR Title 26 Chapter 15 and that of the peace and dignity of the Republic of Liberia” said the indictment.
Meanwhile released Bishop Conto has denied all charges levied against him in the indictment, adding one who alleges should have the burden to proof.
Kennedy L. Yangian [email protected]
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