Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia National Police (LNP) has exonerated J. Bryant McGill in one criminal investigation while prosecuting two other defendants in separate instances involving alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile and the creation of exploitative content featuring minors.
Police Inspector General Gregory O. Coleman announced Monday at a news event at LNP Headquarters in Monrovia that a multi-layered forensic investigation has absolved Mr. McGill of any participation in the matter under investigation.
According to the Inspector General, the investigation included GSM call data and cell-site location analysis, independent GPS verification, a study of accessible CCTV video, and extensive DNA testing with foreign forensic partners.
He stated that telecommunications and GPS data definitely demonstrated that Mr. McGill was not present at the relevant area at the time of the purported event, while CCTV video failed to locate him there.
Furthermore, DNA tests ruled out Mr. McGill as a donor to the biological material discovered from the victim’s clothes. Although unidentifiable male DNA was discovered, detectives determined that it did not fit Mr. McGill’s DNA profile.
“Based on the totality of the digital, forensic, and physical evidence, the Liberia National Police has officially exonerated Mr. McGill from this investigation,” Coleman said, adding that the case remains open as authorities continue efforts to identify the unknown DNA contributor.
The LNP underlined its commitment to victim protection, fairness, and due process, and encouraged the victim’s family to continue cooperating to bring the true offender to justice.
Peter Bon Jallah Charged
In a separate case, authorities reported that Peter Bon Jallah was legally prosecuted following a complaint submitted on January 5, 2026, claiming persistent sexual assault of a 16-year-old child.
According to investigators, medical testing found results compatible with sexual abuse, and the victim offered comprehensive and time-specific recollections of the alleged assaults. Independent witnesses allegedly confirmed the victim’s presence at the defendant’s home.
Officers also revealed that GSM forensic analysis located the suspect near the suspected crime locations throughout the investigation. The defendant’s statements were deemed to be fundamentally contradicted by witness testimony and forensic evidence.
Mr. Jallah has been charged under the relevant sections of Liberia’s Revised Penal Law. Authorities emphasised that he is deemed innocent until proven guilty, and that the victim’s name has been preserved as per the law.
Joseph Butler Arrested Over Exploitative Video
Meanwhile, the LNP announced the arrest and charging of Joseph Butler following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media.
Police investigations revealed that the children featured in the video are Mr. Butler’s biological children, ages five and six. The defendant agreed to creating and sharing the information, which investigators described as hurtful, demeaning, and exploitative. According to investigators, the film was made as part of a social media-based income-generating campaign. Mr. Butler has already been transferred to court.
Public Advisory
The Liberia National Police asked the public and media to depend entirely on confirmed material supplied by the police, and to avoid speculation or the leaking of information that might jeopardise victims or existing criminal procedures.
In closing, the LNP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting life, dignity, and the rule of law. Police also appealed to the general public to exercise patience and discipline during ongoing road works along Tubman Boulevard, warning that enforcement against traffic violations and unauthorized vehicle security devices will be intensified.
