Last week, we told you about 54 year-old Narciza Orellana, a naturalized Belizean who became the first person in Belize to be convicted of human trafficking. She was sentenced by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith to 18 months imprisonment.
Today, another naturalized Belizean was convicted and given a custodial sentence for the very same offense, also in front of Chief Magistrate Smith. She is 41 year-old Yolanda Garcia, a hair dresser and manager of the La Serenita Bar located on Regent Street West. She is also a mother of 3.
According to the police, from June 29 to July 6 of 2010, she engaged in the trafficking of persons when she hired a 17 year-old female minor to work in her bar. The minor told police that she had just graduated from high school.
This minor also said that Garcia allegedly told her that part of her job description is that she is required to have sex with customers for money.
Garcia testified in court, and she denied ever employing the young woman. Chief Magistrate Smith didn't accept her version, and after 15 months of continuity, the trial came to a close with a guilty verdict.
Chief Magistrate Smith sentenced her to 12 months imprisonment.
She was represented by attorney Simeon Sampson, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Taitt-Vidal prosecuted the case.
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