In a closely watched case, the Monrovia City Court has denied bail to Othello Bruce, a Liberian-American man accused of sexually assaulting his biological daughter in the United States over a decade ago.
Presiding Judge Ben Barco rejected an insurance bond request filed by Bruce’s legal team, ensuring the suspect remains detained at Monrovia Central Prison as extradition proceedings unfold. Bruce was arrested following a formal request from U.S. authorities, who have been seeking his return to face trial since 2013.
Bruce, whose alleged crimes span from 2010 to 2012, was indicted by a Massachusetts grand jury on 12 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and battery. The case involves accusations that he repeatedly assaulted his underage daughter, who was under 16 at the time.
Under Massachusetts law, aggravated rape of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life, a key factor in Judge Barco’s decision to deny bail. Liberian law permits bail denial for offenses punishable by life imprisonment in the requesting country.
Bruce’s defense had argued for temporary release pending extradition, but prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the charges and the risk of flight. Legal experts note that extradition cases involving serious crimes often face prolonged proceedings, leaving suspects in detention for months or longer.
The case has drawn attention on both sides of the Atlantic, with advocates for the victim urging a swift transfer to the U.S. for trial. Meanwhile, Bruce’s supporters claim he deserves due process and question the delays in the case.
With bail denied, Bruce remains behind bars as Liberia’s justice system navigates the complexities of international extradition. For the alleged victim, now an adult, the ruling marks another step toward accountability after years of waiting.
As the legal process continues, the case underscores the challenges of cross-border justice and the enduring pursuit of closure for survivors of sexual violence.
