This evening, it was quite a scene at the Belize City Magistrate's Court when the G-I-3's big guns were brought out. The specialized unit was activated to escort high profile suspects and secure the courthouse in the same way they would when narcos are caught with drug planes are and cargo.
But today, there was no drug plane - no big stash of cocaine: just a foursome led by a female police constable and three men found in her Orange Walk home.
They face a battery of charges - for Illicit Trafficking of firearms, two counts of Kept Prohibited Ammunition, two counts of Kept Ammunition without a license, Possession of unregistered bullet proof vests and Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
And though they were arrested in Orange Walk - they were arraigned today in Belize City. They had been brought down here so that additional security could be provided - since police obviously consider the case to have far reaching criminal implications.
The Police Constable is Stephanie Marie Patten Cima - and her attorney is Dickie Bradley. He spoke to Cherisse Halsall outside the courthouse 50 minutes ago. Though the seizure of a small armored of weapons happened at her house - he says she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time:
Dickie Bradley, Attorney-At-Law
"She is a serving officer of 9 years and I know my good friend commissioner of police doesn't like the term, but she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. So, basically what has happened is the police raided a residence, more than likely based on a tip-off - somebody would have said something."
Cherisse Halsall:
"Sir, not to cut you cross, but I have to challenge you. How are you in the wrong place at the wrong time when you are in your own house?"
Dickie Bradley, Attorney-At-Law
"Because I can pick up somebody in my vehicle and they end up have drugs in their pocket, I responsible? Thank you."
"What happened is clearly acting on some kind of tip-off, the police actually did a raid at a residence in which they broke down the door, went in and were very successful in finding the various items, including prohibited firearms, about 200 rounds of ammunitions, assorted ammunitions fitting the different firearms that were found - 3 firearms in total. They throw in bullet proof vests, they also claim that they found a small quantity 9 grams of crack somewhere in the residence. What this is, is somebody took a large quantity of ammunition and 3 firearms into a property without getting any permission and so on and so forth and everybody that is found in that property, the police have a duty to arrest all of them."
"Let me share with you something which is important, because you were not in court, but a journalist was present, one of the persons ask to speak to the magistrate after all the charges have been read and they were already told they were remanded - one of the persons said that 'I am taking responsibility for the items that were found, but I would like to speak to my attorney' who is not me. He said that in court and you know I grew up in my grandparents' home with my mom and the older folks would say God works in a mysterious way. Because they are crucifying the female police officer, associating her with persons she doesn't even know, trying to make it look like somehow, she is with some cartel, somehow she is trafficking with firearms and all that sort of thing. Thank goodness somebody in court says, that me bring the thing them, me know about them. And that is not my client."
"This morning before they were even charged, the WPC already has a letter in which she is on interdiction and talk of disciplinary charge. My goodness man, give everybody a fair opportunity."
Cherisse Halsall:
"But sir, your client is a lucky woman, this is the second time that she's been involved in an incident like this that someone else has come forward to take the wrap as it would be."
Dickie Bradley, Attorney-At-Law
"Listen, you are innocent, until you are proven to be guilty or you plea guilty. The police officer has no previous conviction, so please, let us not crucify people right away."
And while Bradley urged police not to rush to judgement - in court today, not even a plea was taken.
The four accused persons namely 24 year old Stephanie Patten Cima, 24-year-old, Joshua Brandon Hall, from Corozal Town and 22-year-old City resident, Alden Lara, along with Mexican national, Misael Contreras Varela, appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. They were read seven counts and Prosecutor Alifah Elrington who is head of the Prosecution Branch informed the court that she will reserve her 14 days notice to indicate to the court if the matter will be dealt with on indictment or summarily. With that Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson told the court she will not take a plea - even though one of the men stepped forward to take responsibility - it was not registered as a plea. The matter was adjourned and they were remanded until August 9, 2022. They can apply for Supreme Court bail.
Bradley represented Constable Patten while Attorney Leeroy Banner represented the other 3 accused persons but was unable to make it to court.
