Entrepreneur Bob Sebastian Peterson Granted Bail Amid Gold Fraud Allegations

Entrepreneur Bob Sebastian Peterson Granted Bail Amid Gold Fraud Allegations

Entrepreneur Bob Sebastian Peterson, 44, was granted bail by Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 following his appearance on charges of gold fraud and obtaining money by false pretenses.

The case stems from an incident on December 13, 2024, at Zenith Bank on Rawdon Street, Freetown, where Peterson allegedly obtained $55,000 (equivalent to 1,303,500 Leones) from Derrick Charles Bulls. Prosecutors allege that Peterson falsely claimed to have one kilogram of gold for sale and intended to export it to the United States. He faces two charges:

• Obtaining money by false pretenses: Contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

• Fraudulent conversion: Contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

As this is a committal proceeding, no plea was entered. During the hearing, the inquiry files were served, and defense counsel S.M. Gomeh Esq. renewed his bail application on behalf of Peterson.

Magistrate Fornah set bail at 1.5 million Leones, requiring a surety of an equivalent amount. The surety must be a gainfully employed senior citizen residing in Freetown with a fixed address and valid national identification, subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The case has been adjourned until July 6, 2026.