MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Presiding Justice in Chambers of the Supreme Court of Liberia has overturned the decision of Criminal Court-E Judge, Serena Garlawolo, to keep in detention a rape suspect, Pastor James Kollie.

Associate Justice, Yamie Gbeisay, has mandated Judge Garlawolo to admit Pastor Kollie on temporary bill as prayed for by the Defense Lawyers.

Seven Trial Jurors at Criminal Court-E have rendered a hung verdict in the case, while five found him not guilty of the rape allegation against Pastor Kollie during the August Term of Court in 2022.

Pastor Kollie was arrested in June, 2022, and charged with Statutory Rape for allegedly raping a lady who sought prayers at his church in Logan Town.

Meanwhile, State Prosecutors took an exception to Justice Gbeisay’s decision and announced an appeal to the Full Bench of The Supreme Court.