28-Year-Old Pastor Faces Fraud Charges For Alleged Scam

In a recent court appearance, 28-year-old Pastor Jusu Vandy faced charges of fraudulently obtaining one hundred and thirty-two thousand leones from Solomon Conteh under false pretenses. The accused, residing in Hamilton, was arrested on November 21, 2023, by Detective Police Constable DPC Mattia J.

Before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.I in Freetown, Pastor Vandy faced three counts of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. The charges stem from alleged actions between September 8th and October 21st, 2023, where the accused, along with unknown accomplices, purportedly conspired to facilitate the travels of Alimamy Sheriff and Alimamy Conteh to Australia.

Solomon Conteh, the complainant, testified as Prosecution Witness 1 and revealed that Pastor Vandy presented himself as the manager of a travel program. The accused allegedly assured Conteh of his role in facilitating people’s travels to Australia. Conteh claimed to have made a partial payment of sixty thousand leones (Le60,000) for the intended travels.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Osman M. Bangura, the prosecution witness, requested an adjournment during the proceedings to confer with the witness. Magistrate Kekura granted this request, leading to a temporary suspension of the hearing.

The accused, Pastor Vandy, was denied bail and remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, December 19, 2023, for further proceedings.

This legal development highlights the severity of the allegations against Pastor Vandy, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and due process. As the case unfolds, the court will continue to examine the evidence and testimonies to determine the veracity of the charges brought against the accused.