7 News Belize

Accused Mexican ATM Scammers Get Off
posted (August 9, 2019)
In February, we told you how Mexicans, Belen Hernandez, Joscat Jafet Hernandez, and Lionel Isaac Rodriguez, were freed of theft charges in the Corozal Magistrate's Court for the third time. Police accused them of engaging in credit card fraud to steal several thousand dollars from Atlantic Bank ATM's in different parts of the country. At one point, 2 out of the 3 accused were facing over 20 counts of theft in the Corozal and Belize City Magistrate's Courts.

Well, tonight, all charges have been dropped against them. That was the outcome when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer today. The police prosecutor informed the court during their adjournment that the prosecution was seeking to withdraw the charges against them. No official reason was provided to the court for the change, and the Chief Magistrate dismissed all remaining offenses against the 3 Mexicans. After 17 months on remand, they were allowed to leave court completely free today.

Police had claimed that in January 2018, they visited Atlantic Bank ATMs in Corozal, Orange Walk, and Belize City, and allegedly fraudulently withdrew substantial sums of money. Belen Hernandez was criminally charged with allegedly removing over $10,000, while Lionel Rodriguez was accused of removing $21,500 dollars.

Atlantic Bank allegedly reported to police that a total of over $95,000 had gone missing around that time.

With today's withdrawal of the charges in Belize City, all 3 have beaten charges connected to this case for a 4th time now.

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