By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 33-year-old Belize City technician has been charged after a woman allegedly lost $300 while attempting to purchase an iPhone advertised on Facebook Marketplace by a seller using the name “El Chapo.”
Colin Leslie, a resident of Far West Street, appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this week, charged with obtaining money by deception following a complaint from a woman.
According to court reports, the woman was browsing Facebook Marketplace on October 11 when she came across a white iPhone advertised for $400. After agreeing to purchase the phone, she was allegedly instructed to transfer $300 to an Atlantic Bank account registered in Leslie’s name.
The woman reportedly made the transfer on October 12 but never received the phone. When she attempted to contact the seller, who operated under the name “El Chapo,” she discovered that she had been blocked.
She reported the matter to police on October 13.
Investigators subsequently interviewed Leslie, who reportedly consented to a search of his phone in the presence of a Justice of the Peace. Police allegedly discovered evidence of the $300 transfer from the woman’s account to Leslie’s account, with investigators claiming the money was later withdrawn.
During his court appearance, Leslie initially indicated that he was guilty and told the magistrate he had discussed reimbursing the woman, claiming she had agreed to accept repayment.
However, the prosecutor explained that the offense could be tried in the High Court and that directions were needed from the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine how the case should proceed.
The magistrate therefore informed Leslie that his guilty plea could not be formally accepted at that stage.
Leslie was granted bail of $4,000 with one surety of the same amount or two sureties of $2,000 each, which he reportedly met.
He must report to the Precinct One Police Station every Tuesday and Friday and is scheduled to return to court on November 30, 2026.
The post Colin Leslie charged after woman allegedly loses $300 attempting to buy iPhone from Facebook Marketplace being sold by ‘El Chapo’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 33-year-old Belize City technician has been charged after a woman allegedly lost $300 while attempting to purchase an iPhone advertised on Facebook Marketplace by a seller using the name “El Chapo.” Colin Leslie, a resident of Far West Street, appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this week,
The post Colin Leslie charged after woman allegedly loses $300 attempting to buy iPhone from Facebook Marketplace being sold by ‘El Chapo’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
