Posted: Friday, December 27, 2024. 3:20 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City construction worker, 22-year-old Peter Amaud Lara, has been arraigned on three counts of card theft after allegedly using a stolen Atlantic Bank debit card to make purchases totaling over $300.
Lara, who resides on Central American Boulevard, appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola in Court #1. He initially pleaded guilty to two of the charges but changed his plea to not guilty after the owner informed the court she no longer wanted to proceed with the matter.
According to allegations, on December 19, 2024, Lara used the stolen card at Chen’s Store for a $12 purchase and at Zen Zen’s Supermarket for $240 in items. Lara claimed during his arraignment that he did not steal the card but was given it by someone else to withdraw money.
The card owner, who was present in court, testified that she had recovered her card and phone, both of which had gone missing, and received reimbursement for the money taken from her account. She explained that she believed someone else had stolen her belongings and insisted Lara was not the thief. She added that pursuing the case was time-consuming and unnecessary.
Despite the request to drop the charges, the Chief Magistrate remained unconvinced that Lara, who admitted to using the stolen card, should be absolved so quickly. As a result, the charges against him were not withdrawn.
Lara was granted bail of $5,000 with two sureties of $2,500 each. The prosecution has been instructed to review the case and determine if it can proceed. Lara’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 18, 2025, in Court #5.
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