Belmopan businesswoman joins husband in jail over firearm and drug charges

Posted: Monday, December 2, 2024. 9:22 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: 37-year-old businesswoman Xochil Natalie Lopez of Halfmoon Street, Belmopan, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being charged with multiple serious offenses, including possession of a prohibited firearm, prohibited ammunition, and two counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

Lopez, represented by attorney Dale Cayetano, appeared before a Senior Magistrate in Court #6 on Thursday evening. She pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include possession of a black Glock Gen 5 .40 caliber pistol, 24 live rounds of ammunition, and over 9,000 grams of cannabis. Due to the gravity of the charges, the court was unable to grant bail, and Lopez was remanded until January 20, 2024.

Lopez now joins her husband, 47-year-old businessman Joshua Moses Ashburn, who was remanded earlier last week alongside co-accused Mario Fernandez and Keenan O’Connor. The group faces identical charges stemming from a police operation on November 25, 2024, that uncovered the firearm, ammunition, and drugs.

During his court appearance, Ashburn expressed a willingness to plead guilty to simple possession of the drugs but denied having intent to supply. His plea was rejected, and a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Fernandez, represented by attorney Sharon Pitts-Robateau, maintained he was only at the premises for work and was unaware of the drugs.

The four accused are scheduled to appear in court together for the first time on January 20, 2025. Meanwhile, Lopez has been advised of her right to apply for bail at the High Court with the assistance of her attorney.

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