The other major piece news coming out of law enforcement over the weekend is
about the M-16 which was stolen from a BDF soldier assigned to patrol the Rocky
Road area. The update tonight is that the two BDF soldiers who fell asleep on
the job on Saturday morning – causing a loaded M16 to be stolen have been
tried and convicted. This afternoon Privates Hubert Jones and Faustino Coc were
tried before Brigadier General Dario Tapia.
Private Jones, who was in possession of the stolen gun, faced six charges including
the negligence in performing of duties, sleeping on duty, and disobedience to
standing orders. Private Coc was charged for prejudice to good order and discipline,
sleeping on duty, and prejudice to good order and military discipline. The two
soldiers pled guilty to all charges. General Tapia sentenced them to 40 days
in a military prison without pay and he has recommended they be discharged.
That decision will be made by the Security Services Commission.
The Belize Defense Force stressed that while allegations have been made that
the soldiers were drinking – there was no trace of alcohol or drugs in
their systems. Those tests were submitted to the National Forensics Lab which
is independent from the army. There was no trace of drugs or alcohol also in
the police man’s system.
The two soldiers and the police officer were assigned to the Rocky Road area
but they fell asleep inside the constable’s personal car. They claim to
have been sleeping when someone stole the M16. It is still missing and anyone
with information is asked to contact either the army or the police.
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