Court Moves Jewel to House Arrest

By Lincoln G. Peters

TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia, September 4, 2026: Criminal Court “C” has ordered former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor released from the Monrovia Central Prison on compassionate medical grounds, but placed her under house arrest and imposed a travel restriction as her criminal case continues.

Presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika, in a ruling Friday, September 4, ordered Howard-Taylor to surrender all travel documents in her possession to the sheriff of the court immediately upon her release.

The court emphasized that the decision was based solely on medical grounds and does not amount to an acquittal, dismissal, pardon, immunity or termination of the criminal proceedings against the former vice president.

Howard-Taylor is facing multiple charges, including importation of controlled drugs, unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs and substances, unlicensed sale, trading in-transit and transportation of controlled substances, abuse of office, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, money laundering and aiding consummation of crime.

“Wherefore and in view of the foregoing, it is the holding of this court that Movant’s request for compassionate medical leave from pre-trial detention on medical grounds should be and the same is hereby granted, and Movant is accordingly ordered released from the Monrovia Central Prison on compassionate medical grounds,” Judge Feika ruled.

However, the judge imposed several restrictions on Howard-Taylor and warned that violation of any of the conditions could result in the revocation of the release order.

Under the ruling, Howard-Taylor is to be taken directly from the Monrovia Central Prison to her residence on Tubman Boulevard in Sinkor, where she will remain under detention pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against her.

The court ordered that one caregiver, preferably a close relative or family member, be designated to live at the residence and attend to her daily needs. The caregiver cannot be replaced without prior approval from the court.

“Movant is hereafter required to surrender all travelling documents in her possession to the Sheriff of this Court immediately upon her release from pre-trial detention from the Monrovia Central Prison on medical grounds,” Judge Feika ordered.

The judge said Howard-Taylor’s physician will also be permitted to visit her by appointment, with authorities notified of such visits. The court further directed the government to establish a visitation schedule similar to that currently used by the Bureau of Corrections at the Monrovia Central Prison.

According to the ruling, Howard-Taylor will not be permitted to leave her residence except by order of the court or for approved hospital appointments and medical visits.

The government was also ordered to provide 24-hour security or police protection at the residence and maintain records of visitors, including their telephone numbers and addresses.

Howard-Taylor will remain under house arrest until the criminal proceedings against her are concluded, unless the court subsequently modifies its order.

The court also ordered regular medical assessments by her physician or physicians appointed by the court.

Judge Feika warned that if the court determines that Howard-Taylor’s medical condition has improved significantly, she could be returned to the Monrovia Central Prison.

“That the Movant shall be assessed regularly by her physician and/or physician(s) appointed by the Court, and if it is determined by the Court that the medical condition of the Movant has improved appreciably, she shall be returned to the Monrovia Central Prison, the facility designated for all individuals similarly situated,” the judge ruled.

Howard-Taylor’s lawyers filed the motion Thursday, September 3, seeking compassionate medical release from pre-trial detention.

The defense argued that the former vice president had suffered from a serious medical condition before her detention and required continuous medical care that could not adequately be provided at the Monrovia Central Prison.

Her lawyers said they had previously sought compassionate release before the Monrovia City Court, but the request was denied because the magistrate court lacked trial jurisdiction over the charges and therefore did not have the authority to grant the request.

The defense subsequently petitioned Criminal Court “C,” submitting Howard-Taylor’s medical report in support of its request.

After reviewing the motion and supporting documents, Judge Feika granted the request for compassionate medical release, subject to the restrictions imposed by the court.