By Breaking Belize News Staff: American national Nathan Thomas Mikesell, 40, has been released after spending one night in police custody following his conviction for damaging property at Divine Mercy Church.
Mikesell, a former member of the United States military, pleaded guilty to damage to property after an incident at the church, located at Mile 2 on the Philip Goldson Highway.
According to the report, Mikesell damaged three hymn books, a procession crucifix, a statue of Jesus at the church and a bathroom gate. The total value of the damaged property was reported at approximately $12,000.
He was fined $2,000 after appearing before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison. When he was initially unable to pay the fine, a warrant was issued for him to serve five months in prison.
However, Mikesell was reportedly refused admission to the Belize Central Prison after injuries were observed on him, and he was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for medical attention.
He later returned to court after the fine was paid in full and was released.
During his arraignment, Mikesell admitted damaging the property, telling the court, “Yes, I did so,” and saying he was taken to the police station after striking the items several times.
Mikesell also alleged that he was subjected to police brutality while in custody.
The incident reportedly began while Father Scott was preparing for a service at Divine Mercy Church. Scott told police that Mikesell entered the church, verbally confronted him, allegedly threatened to kill and burn him, and later became aggressive before damaging several items inside the church.
The post American ex-military man freed after paying $2,000 fine for $12,000 damage at Divine Mercy Church including damaging Crucifix and Jesus statue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: American national Nathan Thomas Mikesell, 40, has been released after spending one night in police custody following his conviction for damaging property at Divine Mercy Church. Mikesell, a former member of the United States military, pleaded guilty to damage to property after an incident at the church, located at Mile
The post American ex-military man freed after paying $2,000 fine for $12,000 damage at Divine Mercy Church including damaging Crucifix and Jesus statue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
