Criminal Court “C” at the First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County has ruled in favor of defendant Samuel P. Jackson, denying the prosecution’s attempt to revoke his bail and instructing the government to return items confiscated during its investigation.
The decision, handed down on April 22, 2026, resolved a combined legal dispute involving the state’s objection to Jackson’s Property Valuation Bond and a “Bill of Information” filed by the defense over continued control of his personal assets.
Prosecutors had argued that Jackson’s bond was insufficient and sought to have him detained. But the court dismissed the challenge, pointing out that the state failed to act within the legally required timeframe. According to the ruling, the bond was approved and served on April 9, yet the prosecution did not file its objections until April 13, beyond the three-day window mandated by law.
The court further noted that the prosecution did not properly notify the defendant and his surety as required under Section 13.4.2 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, weakening its position even further.
In upholding the bond, the court emphasized that its core purpose is to guarantee a defendant’s appearance in court. It observed that Jackson has consistently complied with that obligation by reporting weekly to the Sheriff.
On the issue of seized property, the court sided with the defense, criticizing the state for continuing to hold onto Jackson’s belongings despite concluding its investigation. The items in question reportedly included mobile phones, laptops, and house keys.
Jackson had argued that the prolonged withholding of his property was unjust and amounted to undue hardship. The court agreed, ruling that there was no longer any legal justification for the government to retain the items.
The judgment not only secures Jackson’s continued release on bail but also compels the state to immediately return all confiscated property, marking a significant legal setback for the prosecution.
