We often report on accused Belize City men taken to court and charged for gang membership. Most times, they take a plea and receive a fine of a few thousand dollars. In a minority of cases they plead not guilty and await trial.
But, tonight the news is that three admitted gangsters are going to jail.
18 year old Delbert Flowers, and 24 year old Ralph "Mini Man" Martinez were charged for being members of the Ghost Town Crips, while 20 year old Shemaud Nuñez was charged with being an affiliate of the George Street Gang.
Nunez was first to appear before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. The police allege that Nunez is an active member and a very influential figure who is involved in the sale of drugs and keeping unlicensed firearm.
Nunez admitted he is a member of the gang, but said he does not kill or shoot people and he does not sell drugs. He wasted no time in pleading guilty and asked the court for a fine for his gang membership. But Chief Magistrate Fraser explained to him that she finds it hard to impose a fine, when he admits he has no job.
She said he will likely not be able to pay a fine, and she did not think a fine was appropriate because being a member of a gang in her view is a very serious offense.
Prosecutor in the case was Head of Prosecution, Alifah Elrington who highlighted to the court that the penalty for the offense carries a maximum prison term of 10 years. With that Frazer sentenced Nunez to 18 months in jail.
Delbert Flowers and Ralph Martinez also appeared before Chief magistrate Fraser. They pleaded guilty to being members of the Ghost Town Crips Gang and asked to be fined. But they were also slapped with a jail time of 18 months.
Police say the gang is involved in the sale of drugs, robbery, extortion from businesses in the area, and control of firearm and ammunitions.
