A serious allegation has arisen in Monrovia, Liberia, involving a Catholic priest named Daniel L. George, aged 32. He has been detained at Monrovia Central Prison on suspicion of raping a 16-year-old minor. The priest, who serves as an Associate Priest at the Christ the King Parish in the Gay Town Community, was arrested by the Liberian National Police (LNP) on October 12, 2024, after allegations emerged regarding statutory rape, reportedly taking place on May 8, 2024. The initial claims suggest that George committed the crime on the church premises as well as at his home in the Old Road Community.
As the inquiry unfolded, it revealed that the minor and her family were members of the same church where George served. He had gained the trust of the girl’s family, often visiting them and taking the minor out to various locations with her mother’s prior knowledge and consent. However, as George’s behavior grew increasingly concerning, the victim’s mother became uneasy, ultimately prohibiting George from seeing her daughter and notifying another priest, Father Patrick, to monitor the situation.
The victim recounted her experiences during her interviews with police. In May, George lured her to his house, claiming he had pictures to show her. When the victim hesitated, he insisted it would not take long. Once inside, he forcefully pushed her onto the bed and raped her. In June, he trespassed into her yard, threatening to harm her mother if she did not comply with his demands for sexual relations. Following these traumatic incidents, the victim avoided church for three months due to fear and distress, returning only when forced by her mother to attend a service.
Despite attempts to avoid him, George continuously pursued the victim. When she returned to church on October 6, 2024, he attempted to draw her into communication, prompting her to leave the service early. Later, on October 8, he forcefully entered her family’s home while she was alone, accosted her, and threatened both her and a nurse present in the residence. He managed to overpower her and again raped her, leaving her physically injured in the encounter.
The nurse, upon returning, noticed the victim’s distress and informed her mother about the situation. When the mother intervened and caught George attempting to evade detection, it prompted immediate action. She reached out to the church’s administrator and subsequently contacted law enforcement, launching a police investigation into George’s alleged criminal activities. The investigation culminated in his arrest, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim and the breach of trust placed in religious figures.
The case of Father Daniel L. George raises significant concerns surrounding the abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority, particularly within the church, and reflects broader issues regarding the protection of minors in community settings. It underscores the importance of vigilance within religious organizations to ensure the safety and welfare of their congregations, particularly young and impressionable members. The judicial proceedings that will follow will not only evaluate the evidences against George but may also serve as a catalyst for broader conversations around child protection, consent, and the enforcement of laws regarding sexual abuse in Liberia.
