This afternoon police hauled off two more of their disgraced officers to court for committing the very crimes they swore to uphold. This time it was Police Constables Marlon Martinez and Aurelio Cajun who appeared before Chief Magistrate Herbert Lord charged with extortion.
The charges are from Saturday May 22nd when the two were assigned to the Northern Highway police checkpoint at the boom cut off. Police are alleging that the two constables ripped off three victims of more than $400 Belize dollars and 1600 quetzals. The first was Hashel Dardon and court papers show the two constables allegedly took $70 and 700 Quetzals from him, the second victim was allegedly Omar Dardon who they alleged took $100 and 800 Quetzals from, and the third victim was Manuel de Jesus Marroquin who the officers allegedly took $230 from and 500 quetzals from.
In court this afternoon both accused constables appeared alongside their Attorney Dickie Bradley and pleaded not guilty. Because of the detailed account of the crime released to the public, Bradley criticized the police department for trying the case in the court of public opinion. Magistrate Lord agreed but still refused the defense request for a quick trial was denied. Both constables were released on $5,000 bail plus two $2,500 sureties. They are to report to the clerk of court every Friday.