By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice has issued a writ of arrest for J. Jefferson Chesson, stemming from criminal charges tied to alleged public threats broadcast on live television against a private prosecutor and top government officials.
In a public response, Chesson denied the allegations, characterizing the court order as a politically motivated attempt by the current administration to silence dissent.
The State’s Charges and Allegations
The arrest warrant, issued under the authority of Stipendiary Magistrate His Honor L. Ben Barco, charges Chesson with Terroristic Threats, Criminal Coercion, Menacing, Criminal, Attempt to Commit Murder and Disorderly Conduct.
According to court filings based on an oath and complaint filed by Anthony Z. Deinuka, Chesson allegedly made explicit death threats on the Spoon Night Talk Show on July 8, 2026, stating he would “gun down” the private prosecutor on sight.
Court documents further indicate Chesson publicly linked Deinuka and the Vice President of Liberia to a “$19 million Drugs Saga,” alleging their involvement in narcotics trafficking.
Deinuka reported severe consequences, stating the televised claims triggered threats of arson against his home by community members, family estrangement, and verbal abuse.
Chesson Denies Charges, Vows Court Appearance
In response to the warrant and subsequent law enforcement mandate directing police to detain him, Chesson dismissed the accusations as entirely unfounded and politically driven.
“The Unity Party Government has charged me with… crimes allegedly perpetrated against one Tony Margibi Deinuka, a proxy of VP Jeremiah Koung—an individual wholly unknown to me and one whom I’ve never, in fact, encountered,” Chesson stated.
Chesson rejected the legitimacy of the filings, framing the legal action as an attempt by the government to suppress political opposition rather than a standard judicial proceeding.
The former Assistant Works Minister termed the charges a “calculated instrument of repression” used to “crush dissent, to suffocate legitimate criticism, and to terrorize any voice that dares demand transparency,” while refusing to go into hiding.
“This is a political warning shot. And I refuse to flinch, and I will not be terrorized into submission. I’ll be at the court on Monday at 10:00 AM,” Chesson stated.
The Monrovia City Court is expected to address the matter when Chesson presents himself for formal prosecution.
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