By Methuselah Gaye
A 23-year-old man identified as Roosevelt Jimmy has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Cestos City, River Cess County, following his conviction for aggravated assault—an incident that left a community reeling and a young man seriously injured.
The incident, which took place on April 26, 2025, in Gbokon Town, involved a violent confrontation that resulted in the victim, Mitchell Nyaneyon, losing four of his teeth and sustaining additional bodily injuries.
According to court records and testimony presented during trial, Roosevelt Jimmy, alongside another individual only known as “K2,” was observed damaging a flower garden owned by the victim’s uncle. When Nyaneyon confronted the duo and threatened to report their actions, Jimmy reportedly reacted with aggression, striking the victim in the mouth with an unidentified object. Though Jimmy later described the attack as a punch or blow, the severity of the damage led authorities to classify it as aggravated assault.
Following the assault, Roosevelt Jimmy fled the scene, crossing the Cestos River to escape arrest. His flight prompted a swift response from joint security forces in River Cess County, who tracked and apprehended him in an undisclosed location days later.
Jimmy was subsequently handed over to the 14th Judicial Circuit Court for prosecution. During his trial, he admitted to the charges and entered a guilty plea. Assigned Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh, who presided over the case, delivered the sentence on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Before issuing the final ruling, Judge Wesseh disclosed that both the prosecution and defense teams had reached a plea bargaining agreement. As per the terms of the agreement, the court was asked to suspend two years from the maximum five-year sentence stipulated by law for aggravated assault—leaving Roosevelt with a three-year custodial sentence.
“The court recognizes the plea bargaining arrangement as provided by law, and in consideration of the defendant’s admission and the circumstances surrounding the case, hereby sentences Roosevelt Jimmy to three years in prison,” Judge Wesseh stated during the ruling.
Separate Case: Drug Charges Loom Over Grand Cape Mount Man
In a related development, the 14th Judicial Circuit Court is preparing to sentence 36-year-old Prince Sei, a citizen of Grand Cape Mount County, who was recently found guilty of multiple narcotics offenses. On May 7, 2025, Sei was arrested with a cache of illegal drugs, including cocaine, Kush, marijuana, and the prescription painkiller Tramadol.
Sei has been convicted of unlicensed transportation and unlicensed possession of narcotic substances—serious charges under Liberian law that carry a potential sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years imprisonment.
His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, at the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Cestos City.
Growing Concerns
Both cases have highlighted the increasing need for robust legal enforcement and youth rehabilitation efforts in River Cess and surrounding counties. With aggravated assault and drug offenses on the rise, local leaders and civil society groups are calling for stronger community engagement, youth outreach programs, and greater public investment in crime prevention.
Judge Wesseh, in his closing remarks during Roosevelt Jimmy’s sentencing, urged the young people of River Cess to “seek peaceful resolutions to conflict” and “uphold the values of respect and accountability in their communities.”
As justice takes its course, many in Gbokon Town and beyond are left reflecting on the high cost of violence and the vital role of the law in preserving peace and safety.
