Liberia: LDEA Maryland County Commander Wanted for Alleged Rape

The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) says it has suspended from duty its Maryland County Commander, Joseph Targeddine, following allegations of sexual assault brought against him. 

Targeddine was alleged to have sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in Harper, Maryland County, according to a police report filed by the girl’s parents on February 21.

“On Monday, February 13, Annie noticed that her daughter was not looking healthy and she decided to take her to the hospital for a check-up. After the check-up, she was told by the nurse that her daughter is actively having sex,”  police in Maryland said.

According to the Police, when the girl’s mother try to inquire, her daughter informed her that   Tageddine has been having sex with her for the last two years.

The victim claimed that Tageddine called her into his room in 2021 and told her that he wanted to buy cool aid, but instead started squeezing her breast. When he got through, he gave her US$10.

In 2022, according to the victim, he took her to the Middle Cess Community in Harper and had sexual intercourse with her at which time he gave her US$20.00.

She also alleged that in January this year, Tageddine took her to the same room and again had sex with her and gave her US$20.00.

Police said the LDEA Commander is currently out of the County and is yet to be arrested as investigation is ongoing.

When contacted, Special Agent Tageddine confirmed that he left the County to attend his mother’s funeral.

According to him, he will be in Harper, Maryland County soon to submit himself to the due process of law.

Targeddine is currently at large since the leak of his alleged rape of the 16-year-old girl. Police chief inspector Leona M. Gaye Kangar said he is yet to be arrested and the investigation is still ongoing.

“Since this case was reported to the Women and Children Social Protection Section, we have placed several calls on different occasions but we have been unable to reach him. His phone is unreachable,” Kangar explained.

The Police Women and Children Division said the LDEA commander allegedly committed statutory rape in violated section 14.70C of the penal code of the Liberian Law.

When the alleged perpetrator was contacted via mobile phone about the allegation, he confirmed the allegation but denied his involvement. He stated that he is willing to face the total weight of the law if found guilty.