Police officer charged with handling stolen goods in high-value jewelry theft

Posted: Sunday, September 15, 2024. 9:38 am CST.

By Horace Palacio: On Saturday, August 31, 2024, American firefighter Gilbert Lightburn Jr., 41, from Los Angeles, California, reported a theft involving high-value jewelry in Belize City.  According to Lightburn, the incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. at Shisha 8 Lounge on New Town Barracks. During an altercation with a group of men, several valuable items were stolen, including two 14-karat Miami Cuban link chains, valued at $20,000 and $30,000, respectively, as well as a 24-karat American Buffalo Indian Head Coin with a 14-karat gold casing, valued at $7,500.

On Monday, September 9, 2024, a police officer was identified at a local pawn shop attempting to pawn a 14-karat Miami Cuban link chain believed to be part of the stolen jewelry. The officer was identified as Hersel Garcia, 43, from Belize City. Following an investigation that included surveillance footage and house searches, Garcia was formally arrested.

On Saturday, September 14, 2024, authorities obtained a warrant and officially charged Garcia with the crime of Handling Stolen Goods in relation to the jewelry theft.

The case is ongoing as authorities continue their investigation.

 

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