Officer accused of stealing gun tendered as evidence says police department needs to do proper investigation

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Police Constable who has been charged for stealing a firearm that was tendered as evidence in a court case is calling on the Belize Police Department to conduct a proper investigation into the matter.

On Monday, PC#503, Walford Smart, said that his charge of theft in connection with the stolen .38 revolver, which was later discovered on the south side of Belize City months later, is unjust. Smart claimed that on the day of the trial, which ended in the accused Edwin Shepherd being found not guilty, the firearm never made it back into the exhibit room.

Smart further alleges that he was called away to do other duties at the same time the firearm was being transported to the exhibit room and if he is guilty of anything it would be neglect as opposed to theft. He stressed that the firearm was stolen from the Belize City Magistrate’s Court and that if the department conducts a thorough investigation, it can be learned who the real culprit is.

He told court reporter Anita Nembhard that he fully intends to fight the matter in court, assisted by his attorney Ronnel Gonzalez.

The alleged theft reportedly occurred between April 4, 2022, and December 10, 2022. Smart was charged with theft on December 14 and remanded to the Belize Central Prison after bail was denied to him despite the matter being a bailable offense. Gonzalez secured bail for Smart the following day.

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