MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Criminal Court ‘C’, on Tuesday, announced the completion of a fifteen-man juror panel in the case involving thirteen former government officials, after two days of vetting proceedings.

The completion of the panel led to the Court instructing the clerk to read the defendants’ criminal indictment to the jurors to get a clear understanding of the charges levied against the defendants.

This means the stage is set for full litigation that will allow the Assets Recovery Team to parade the first Witness, after the defendants joined issues with the state on Monday, August 17, 2026, with a “not guilty” plea.

Interestingly, former GSA Director Mary Broh, who was among the thirteen defendants, had been cleared of all charges by the state, meaning charges have been dropped against her with the intent or objective to serve as a state witness against her colleagues.

Those facing prosecution are Maxwell Kemeyah, former Foreign Minister; Henry Williams, former Executive Director, National Disaster Agency; and Thelma Sawyer, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, among others.

They are indicted for allegedly stealing over twenty-five thousand bags of 25 kg rice that were donated by the Saudi Arabian government to the government of Liberia.

The value of the rice is put at over half a million United States Dollars.

Meanwhile, the trial continues on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.