Ernesto Caliz, a 64 year-old self-employed man from San Pedro Town, is being accused tonight of a heinous case of sexual abuse against a 9 year-old boy.
He was arraigned late yesterday evening before Magistrate Michelle Trapp on the offense of sexual assault. The incident allegedly occurred on the island, and the child and his parents say that Caliz pulled down his pants and kissed him on the anus.
At yesterday's arraignment, the police prosecutor strongly objected to bail on several grounds. He told the court that consideration should be given to the trauma this has inflicted to the child, and also that Caliz knows his accuser well, which could lead to him interfering with the complainant or his family.
The prosecutor also submitted that this is not the first time that Caliz is being accused of a crime of this nature, even though he has not been convicted before on this offense. News reports indicate that back in December 2016, he was accused of fondling a 3 year-old female child.
Despite those objections however, Magistrate Trapp granted him bail of $8,000, which he was unable to meet, and so he was sent to prison until he can make arrangements for bail.
His bail comes with conditions. He must report to the San Pedro Police Station every Friday starting next week. He must also stay away from the child, and his family, and he cannot contact with any of them, or else his bail will be revoked.
