So, while the Commissioner says there will be more charges - today it started with two.
This afternoon, Immigration Officer Bobby Flowers and Customs Officer Dion Castillo were arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court for the offense of abetment to exiting Belize illegally.
Both public officers pleaded not guilty to the charge, and they were released on bail of $1,000. Shortly after their arraignment, our colleagues from Plus TV News spoke to their attorney Hurl Hamilton about the case.
Here are the brief details he had at the time of that interview:
Hurl Hamilton, Attorney-at-law
"I was literally just retained moments ago in the matter, but yes, two individuals have been charged, Bobby Flowers and Deon Castillo. One is an immigration officer and one is a customs officer. I believe that they are stationed in Mango Creek, Big Creek. Both of them were charged with abetment to exiting Belize illegally."
Reporter
"What are the charges are in relations to?"
Hurl Hamilton
"As I said I was just retained but I would want to assume that it has to do with that tug boat issue that I believe that all Belizeans are aware of that are on Facebook. It has something to do with that."
Reporter
"Based on your legal expertise what do you make of these charges? I know that both men pleaded not guilty."
Hurl Hamilton
"Yes they have pleaded not guilty. I will have to wait and see what is the evidence that the police has. Abetment, exiting Belize illegally. I haven't had time to consult with my client's fully so I will have to wait and see what the police have and then I can perhaps be in a better position to comment. Bail was granted to each individual in the sum of one thousand dollars plus one surety. They are to return back to court on twenty fourth of September."
We are told an employee for the Port authority will also be charged.
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