Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie has disqualified and released a juror who had already been selected, qualified, and sequestered, after the juror admitted he lied under oath about his previous jury service.
Juror Deberat Miatonia, during jury selection, told both prosecution and defense lawyers that he had never served as a juror in any court in Montserrado County.
Based on that representation, he was cleared, selected, and sequestered in the basement of the Temple of Justice along with other members of the jury panel.
However, an investigation later revealed that Miatonia had in fact served as a juror during the May 2025 Term of Court, a direct violation of the National Jury Law, which forbids an individual from serving more than one term within 12 months in the same county.
After admitting to the earlier service, Miatonia became legally ineligible to remain on the panel. Judge Willie subsequently disqualified him.
Despite the seriousness of lying under oath, past cases in which jurors have been punished for misleading the court-Judge Willie opted to dismiss Miatonia without any penalty.
The juror walked out smiling and mingling with onlookers in the courtroom before the judge angrily ordered him to leave.
This appears to be the first known instance in which a juror who lied under oath was released without punishment in Criminal Court “A.”
Past Punishment and Ongoing Concerns
The judge’s decision contrasts sharply with his earlier actions in the same case, where he ordered three prospective jurors sent to the Monrovia Central Prison for failing to appear after being selected.
In other instances, misconduct by a single juror has led to the disbandment of an entire jury panel.
Despite the findings against Miatonia, defense lawyers have insisted that he should remain on the jury panel, arguing that his participation would not compromise the proceedings-even though the law clearly prohibits him from serving again this year.
A Question of Deterrence
The decision not to punish Miatonia has raised concerns among court State prosecutors, who argue that failing to hold jurors accountable for dishonesty undermines the integrity of the jury system.
They insist that penalties serve as an important deterrent to prevent future misconduct and ensure fair and transparent trials.
Judge Willie has not provided a formal explanation for his decision to forgo punishment.
Meanwhile, the selection of the 15 members’ jury panel has been completed.
