GBARNGA, Bong County — A Verity News investigation has linked Bong County District Three Representative Josiah Marvin Cole to an alleged act of impersonation and misuse of official authority, following the circulation of a leaked letter in which the lawmaker is accused of presenting himself as an official he no longer is.
According to documents obtained by Verity News, Rep. Cole on October 6, 2025, issued an authorization letter to Huiren Mining Company, which operates in the Wainsue mining district of Bong County. The letter reportedly bore an official stamp associated with the House of Representatives’ Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration—a committee leadership position from which Rep. Cole was removed in May 2025.
His removal followed internal changes in the House of Representatives after the election of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as the legitimate Speaker of the House. Since that time, Rep. Cole has held no authority to act on behalf of, or issue official correspondence from, the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee.
Disputed Authorization
In the leaked letter, Rep. Cole allegedly authorized Huiren Mining Company to expend US$5,500 from funds earmarked for Social Corporate Responsibility for affected communities—an amount that community members say Rep. Cole has no authority to authorize its expansion as per an existing MOU between affected communities and the mining company. Rep. Cole’s decision has since sparked controversy among residents of Wainsue and across Bong County, with critics questioning both the legality of the authorization and the authority under which it was issued.
Community leaders told Verity News that Social Cooperate Responsibility funds are typically managed through recognized community structures in consultation with relevant government authorities, not by individual lawmakers acting unilaterally.
Alleged Violation of Penal Law
Legal experts, and legal documents obtained by Verity say the alleged action may fall under impersonation, an offense prohibited by Liberia’s Penal Law. Title 26 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised, Section 12.35, states that a person commits an offense if he: (a) falsely pretends to be a public servant or foreign official and acts as though he is exercising the authority of such office; or (b) pretends to be a public servant or former public servant and thereby obtains a thing of value.
By using an official committee stamp after his removal from the position, Rep. Cole is alleged to have acted “under color of office,” a key element in impersonation-related offenses.
Misuse of Government Property
Beyond impersonation, the alleged use of an official stamp from an office he no longer occupies may also constitute misuse of government property. Under Liberia’s Code of Conduct, public officials are expressly prohibited from using government facilities, equipment, or resources for private purposes or after leaving an official position. An official stamp or seal is legally considered state property, not a personal asset of any individual lawmaker.
Possible Forgery Charges
Legal analysts further note that the unauthorized use of official seals or stamps may expose the accused to forgery-related charges. Liberia’s Penal Law classifies the unlawful use or counterfeiting of government seals, stamps, or public documents as a serious criminal offense, particularly where there is intent to deceive or obtain benefits.
“If proven, the use of an official legislative stamp without authority could amount to forgery and impersonation, both of which carry criminal liability,” a legal practitioner in Gbarnga told Verity News.
Silence from Rep. Cole
As of publication, Rep. Cole has not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts by Verity News to obtain his comments were unsuccessful. The matter is now the subject of growing public scrutiny, with calls from civil society actors and community members for a full investigation by relevant law enforcement and legislative oversight bodies.
Verity News will continue to follow developments in this case.
