FORMER LNP CRIME SERVICES CHIEF JOHNNY BOHLAR DEAN CHARGED WITH BRIBERY AND OBSTRUCTION IN $317M DRUG CASE, FORWARDED TO COURT AFTER ALLEGED $10,000 PAYMENT

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FORMER LNP CRIME SERVICES CHIEF JOHNNY BOHLAR DEAN CHARGED WITH BRIBERY AND OBSTRUCTION IN $317M DRUG CASE, FORWARDED TO COURT AFTER ALLEGED $10,000 PAYMENT

BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.

Police Say Ex-Senior Officer Took Money From Suspect’s Associate While “Boss-Man” Edison Brown and Alpha Bah Were Under Investigation for Illicit Trafficking

MONROVIA, Liberia — Former Liberia National Police [LNP] Commissioner of the Crime Services Department, Johnny Bohlar Dean, has been formally charged and forwarded to court on allegations of criminal conspiracy, bribery, tampering with a criminal investigation, and obstruction of government functions by a public servant.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a US$317 million illicit drug trafficking case that has drawn national and international attention.

According to the LNP charge sheet obtained by this paper, Dean is accused of receiving US$10,000 from Stephanie Fefe Mensah while two other suspects, identified as alleged “boss-man” Edison Brown and Alpha Bah, were under active investigation.

Prosecutors allege that the payment was made to influence the course of the investigation and to obstruct law enforcement efforts tied to the drug trafficking case.

The specific counts against Dean include:
Criminal Conspiracy – for allegedly agreeing with others to undermine the investigation.

Bribery – for allegedly receiving money to compromise his official duties .

Tampering With Criminal Investigation – for allegedly interfering with evidence and procedures.

Obstruction of Government Functions by a Public Servant – for allegedly using his office to block justice.

The case involving Brown and Bah is one of the largest drug trafficking investigations in Liberia’s history.

Authorities allege the network was linked to the importation and distribution of narcotics valued at approximately US$317 million.

Both Brown and Bah remain under investigation while It is unclear if additional charges have been filed against them at this time.

Dean was arrested, charged, and forwarded to court on Saturday, according to police.

He is expected to make his first court appearance in the coming days.

Under Liberian law, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The court is expected to determine whether to grant bail and set a date for preliminary hearing.

If convicted, Dean faces significant prison time under Liberia’s Penal Code for bribery and obstruction offenses.