Charges dropped for Belize City security guards accused of burglary, but job loss and jail time leave bitterness

Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024. 6:20 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: In Belize City Magistrate Court on Thursday, Magistrate Lois Young in Court #4 announced the withdrawal of burglary and abetment charges against former security guards Anthony Ortiz, 43, and Richard Anthony Escalera, 46. Despite the court’s dismissal, the men expressed anger and frustration over the ordeal, which led to Ortiz’s resignation from his position as a security guard and nearly five months behind bars due to lack of bail funds.

The charges stemmed from allegations that Ortiz, who worked for Rangers Security Company at the Michael Finnegan Market, had encouraged Escalera to commit a burglary at the market’s Booth #23. Escalera was accused of trespassing between March 3 and March 4, 2024, and allegedly stealing $2,050 worth of merchandise, including 75 pairs of sandals and 10 purses. However, today, the virtual complainant requested to drop the charges, suggesting the accused had “learned a lesson.”

Escalera, incredulous, questioned the rationale of the “lesson,” maintaining he was innocent from the start. Outside the courtroom, both men voiced frustration at the lack of a thorough police investigation, asserting they were unfairly detained. Ortiz noted the financial and emotional toll the case took, including his forced resignation from Rangers Security Company.

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