MONROVIA: The office of the Political Leader of the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC) Alexander Benedict Cummings has refuted claims that Matthew Kerkula, an individual accused of sodomizing a 16 year of boy, is a “domestic staff working in the compound of Mr. Alexander Cummings as Security.”
press release issued over the weekend by Mr. Cummings’ office said “It has come to the attention of the Office of Alexander B. Cummings that the Liberia National Police (LNP), without seeking inquiry from Mr. Cummings’ Office, the apartment complex (Saba Suites), has issued a release that Matthew Kerkula, an individual accused of sodomizing a 16 year of boy, is a “domestic staff working in the compound of Mr. Alexander Cummings as Security.”
Cummings’ Office added that this is “to inform the general public that the accused, Matthew Kerkula, is not a domestic staff or security in Mr. Cummings compound. Matthew does not work for Mr. Cummings and never has.”
Last week, the Liberia National Police (LNP) said, it has arrested a 32-year old man, identified as Matthew Kerkula, a resident of the Old Road Community in the Congo Town-belt for allegedly sodomizing a boy, age, 16.
According to the Police, suspect Kerkula is believed to be a domestic staff working in the compound of Mr. Cummings as Security.
He is currently in Police custody undergoing investigation. At the same time, the alleged 16-year victim is in the care of his parents while the investigation continues.
The LNP says suspect Kerkula will be duly charged and forwarded to court to face the full weight of the law based on the outcome of the medical report.
However, the ANC political leader’s office maintained that what “our investigation shows is that Matthew is a subcontractor or employee of the Liberia Commerce Trading Center (LCTC), headed by Mr. Paul Yeenie. Mr. Cummings’ property, Saba Suites, periodically contracts with LCTC to clean its pool and has no control over who they sub-contract or hire to provide the service. We expect Mr. Paul Yennie, CEO of LCTC to immediately issue a statement, confirming that Matthew Kerkula is his employee.”
Cummings’ office indicated that this “is a blatant lie and evil propaganda by the LNP, a government entity, and an attempt by the government and Pres. George Weah to associate Mr. Cummings with criminal behavior, thereby impugning his integrity.”
Cummings Office also blasted the LNP that as an “institution, it must be guided by best practices and professional ethics of Policing to investigate and authenticate information especially obtained from a suspected criminal before releasing it to the public.”
Cummings Office release pointed that it is important to state that Mr. Cummings strongly opposes rape, any form of sexual abuse and violence, and calls on the government to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice.
The ANC Office then warned that all government agencies and news outlets that future defamation or libel will be met with legal remedies available to the Office of Alexander B. Cummings, the release signed by Cummings’ Communications Director, James G. Kiazolu, pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Management of the Liberia Commerce Trading Company (LCTC), has clarified that Matthew Kerkula, suspect in the alleged commission of the act of sodomy, is a subcontractor of the Liberia Commerce Trading Company (LCTC).”
The company said, contrary to what was reported by the Liberia National Police (LNP), Matthew Kerkula is not “a domestic staff working in the compound of Mr. Alexander Cummings as security”. Kerkula is a pool cleaning subcontractor of the LCTC.”
LCTC says it is involved in general construction, and was once hired by Mr. Cummings to undertake renovation works and general maintenance of his swimming pool.
“LCTC hired Matthew Kerkula to work for us at no knowledge, nor consent of Mr. Cummings,” the statement intoned.
The LCTC also stated that it had also informed the LNP of Mr. Kerkula’s employment with the company, they are surprised that it is not reflected in their statement to the public.
To rectify, the LCTC disclosed that “picture posted on the LNP page is not Matthew Kerkula’s.”
The LCTC condemns any alleged criminal activities by its employees and has suspended Mr. Kerkula, pending the outcome of his criminal charge.