Joel Choco loses appeal, ordered to complete prison term

Posted: Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 8:18 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Joel Benito Choco, 29, has lost his appeal against his sentence for firearm and ammunition offenses, as well as aggravated assault. The High Court of Justice Candace Nanton dismissed his appeal today, affirming that the sentence imposed by the trial magistrate was fair and within legal guidelines.

Choco, a resident of Lords Bank, Ladyville, was convicted in February 2024 and sentenced to three years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, two years and six months for possession of ammunition, and one year for aggravated assault. Since the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, he will serve a total of three years.

During his appeal, Choco argued that his sentence was harsh and inconsistent with court guidelines for similar cases. However, Justice Nanton ruled that the original magistrate was within legal bounds, noting that the offenses carried a mandatory minimum of five years. Despite the magistrate sentencing below that minimum, the High Court found no reason to overturn the decision.

Choco was arrested on February 16, 2024, after police officers PC Mauricio Cobb and PC Hamid Reyes responded to reports of a man seen with a firearm while exiting a bus in Ladyville. When officers arrived, Choco reportedly fled through the back door of the bus, prompting a chase.

During the pursuit, officers testified that Choco pointed a gun at PC Cobb. In response, Cobb fired a warning shot and ordered Choco to stop. After jumping a fence, Choco was eventually apprehended and placed under arrest.

Initially charged with four offenses, including handling stolen goods, Choco was acquitted of the stolen goods charge but convicted on the firearm, ammunition, and assault charges.

Since his conviction, Choco has already served one year and one month of his three-year sentence. Following today’s ruling, he will return to the Belize Central Prison to complete his term.

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