Former Cop Deon Bellini was today sentenced to 3 years in jail, for trafficking drugs when he was still in uniform.
Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser handed down the sentence this evening when she found him guilty of 2 counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply to another person or persons for the purpose of drug trafficking.
When he heard the 3 year sentence, Bellini begged the Chief Magistrate to reconsider her decision and to double the fine if she must, just don't take away his freedom. He told the court he is a father of 2 Girls at the University of Belize and says he has never before been accused or arrested and charged.
The prosecutor asked the court to consider the fact that at the time the crime was committed, Bellini was a serving member of the Belize Police Department and he should have known better. The Chief Magistrate agreed and told Bellini that she can only refrain from imposing both fine and confinement by keeping only the prison term of 3 years.
The Belmopan resident and former cop was arrested back in December 2020 when a team of police officers busted Bellini with 33 parcels of marijuana weighing 40 pounds, which were concealed inside staircases in his jeep.
The Chief Magistrate noted that video from the arresting officer's body camera was part of the evidence that led her to the verdict.
Last week Monday, Bellini gave sworn evidence where he denied having knowledge of the drugs, and claimed that two officers who had grievances with him planted the drugs in his jeep.
