Posted: Friday, July 25, 2025. 6:12 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers has acquitted Police Constable Stephanie Cima, Mexican national Misael Varella, and Belizean Joshua Hall of all charges relating to a 2022 Orange Walk firearms and drug bust, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a strong enough connection between the trio and the illegal items discovered.
The case stemmed from a major police operation in June 2022 at a home in Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk, where authorities found several illegal firearms — including a prohibited weapon — ammunition, 9.7 grams of crack cocaine, and a bulletproof vest. Four individuals were arrested: Cima, Varella, Hall, and Alden Lara of Belize City.
Lara eventually took full responsibility for all items found and is currently serving time. However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions proceeded with charges against the remaining three, leading to a trial that began on September 27, 2023.
After nearly two years of proceedings, Chief Magistrate Rogers upheld a no-case submission by defense attorneys Richard “Dickie” Bradley and Leeroy Banner, finding that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court noted that simply being present at the location during the search was not enough to prove knowledge or control of the contraband.
“The prosecution must satisfy the court that each accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Rogers said. “Presence at the scene is not sufficient to establish control or possession.”
Rogers emphasized that Lara’s guilty plea and admission of ownership posed a significant hurdle for the prosecution, which failed to overcome it. Attempts to link female clothing found at the house to Officer Cima also failed, as Lara had taken ownership of those items as well.
Joshua Hall, who had absconded while out on bail, was tried in absentia and also cleared of all charges.
While Cima and Hall were previously granted bail, Varella remained behind bars for over three years due to being deemed a flight risk. Following today’s ruling, Rogers expressed concern over his release, noting that no documents had been presented by the Immigration Department to confirm whether Varella would face additional charges. She ultimately ordered that he be escorted to the border and released immediately.
The Chief Magistrate also pointed out that the case, which initially appeared complex, quickly lost weight due to weak evidence and lack of witness testimony. Only one key prosecution witness testified, and statements from other officers were read into evidence without cross-examination. A crucial witness statement was struck out after defense attorneys successfully argued it contained hearsay.
In her closing, Rogers called the matter “a case that fizzled out,” and declared all three accused — Cima, Hall, and Varella — free to go.
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The post Police officer and Mexican national acquitted of 2022 gun and drug charges appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, July 25, 2025. 6:12 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers has acquitted Police Constable Stephanie Cima, Mexican national Misael
The post Police officer and Mexican national acquitted of 2022 gun and drug charges appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
