Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has been released from the Monrovia Central Prison on compassionate medical grounds but will remain in pre-trial detention at her Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor residence under strict conditions imposed by Criminal Court “C.”
Presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika issued the ruling on September 4, 2026, after considering Taylor’s motion seeking compassionate release based on her medical condition.
The court found that the specific compassionate-leave provision cited by Taylor, Section 34.20 of the Criminal Procedure Law, does not apply to her case because she is a pre-trial detainee and has not been indicted, tried, convicted, sentenced or committed to prison by a court.
Despite that finding, Judge Feika considered the medical evidence presented and the government’s position in support of her request.
The court subsequently ordered that Taylor be “released from the Monrovia Central Prison on compassionate medical grounds” but made clear that the decision does not end her detention.
Under the order, Taylor is to be “moved forthwith to her residence situated on Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor, Monrovia, for continued detention.”
This means Taylor is no longer to remain at the Monrovia Central Prison, but she remains legally detained while the criminal proceedings against her continue.
The court ordered her to surrender all travel documents to the Sheriff and prohibited her from leaving the designated residence except with court authorization or for approved medical appointments and hospital visits.
Only one caregiver, preferably a close relative or family member, is permitted to reside with Taylor to provide care. Any change in caregiver must first be approved by the court.
The court also restricted access to the residence. Apart from the designated caregiver, Taylor’s physician may enter by appointment, while other visitors will be subject to a visitation schedule to be developed by the government.
The government was further ordered to provide “24-hours security and/or police protection” at the residence and maintain records of visitors, including their telephone numbers and addresses.
Taylor will also undergo regular medical assessments by her physician or other physicians appointed by the court. If the court determines that her condition has improved substantially, she may be returned to the Monrovia Central Prison.
Judge Feika stressed that the order was based solely on Taylor’s medical condition.
The court stated that the release “is based purely on medical grounds” and “shall therefore not constitute dismissal, acquittal, pardon, immunity, or termination of the criminal proceedings.”
Taylor is facing charges including importation of controlled drugs, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, abuse of office and other related offenses.
The court further warned that any violation of the conditions could result in the revocation of the release order.
Taylor will therefore remain a pre-trial detainee, with her residence serving as the designated place of detention while the criminal case proceeds.
