Youth leader arrested for sex with teenage boy

Police Spokesman DCP Sam Collins says investigators at the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberian National Police are interrogating the head of the Liberian Youth Network Mr. Mawolo Kpadeh for an alleged sexual intercourse with a teenage boy. Mr. Collins told reporters at the Police Headquarters on Capitol Hill Thursday, 27 October that 40 year – old suspect Kpadeh was arrested on Wednesday, 26 October in Margibi County based on a complaint filed by the victim’s parents over the alleged sexual abuse of their 16 year -old son.

DCP Collins said that the victim informed police that he came across suspect Kpadeh during a church service where they allegedly exchanged contacts on the basis of friendship. Having exchanged contacts, Mr. Collins said the victim later went to spend some time with suspect Kpadeh when he allegedly cajoled him to collect his (victim’s) phone from his (suspect’s) room and then crept after him and forced him into sexual intercourse.

After the alleged incident, the Police Spokesman said the suspect gave the victim US$10, threatening that he would die if he told anyone about what had transpired. Living with the fear, Mr. Collins said the victim and the suspect became best of friends, but their connection was allegedly exposed when the victim’s playmate observed his constant laughter while reading through text messages exchanged between he and suspect Kpadeh.

The victim’s playmate had jerked his phone, read the messages and discovered that the victim was in contact with somebody who had allegedly abused him. Mr. Collins said after the phone was taken to the parents, they informed the police, and investigators found that a lot of text messages were exchanged between the two inn June and July this year.

He said their call logs, Facebook exchanges “point to sexual conversation between the two,” citing “naked photos” exchange as well. He says the police evidence is so much overwhelming that Mr. Kpadeh will be charged appropriately and sent to court so that he can exonerate himself.

During interrogation with the accused, Mr. Collins said he informed police that the victim had asked for assistance from him and had gone to pass the night at his (suspect’s) house. He accused Mr. Kpadeh allegedly told police that he observed strange behavior from the victim during the middle of night, over claims that he (victim) was robbing his (suspect’s) body and lying naked.

But he said the suspect did not alarm over the alleged strange behavior of the 16 year – old boy, nor did he tell anyone the next morning. Mr. Collins however says it is not so common for suspects to admit to accusations, when asked if the accused had admitted.

By Winston W. Parley