By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 53-year-old Salvadoran national who pleaded guilty to a drug-related offense narrowly avoided an immediate custodial sentence, but was still remanded to prison due to outstanding fines.
Jose Mauricio Cortez appeared unrepresented before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2 of the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of utensils for smoking controlled drugs.
According to police, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Cortez was found in Taylor’s Alley, Belize City, in possession of a pipe adapted for the use of controlled drugs.
During the proceedings, Cortez attempted to convince the court that he was a first-time offender. However, court records revealed prior similar convictions, along with unpaid fines. He was also unable to provide a fixed address, stating only that he resides near the Precinct 1 Police Station on King Street.
For the crack pipe offense, the Senior Magistrate imposed a non-custodial sentence, fining Cortez $250 plus $5 in court costs. He was given until July 1, 2026, to pay, in default of which he faces three months’ imprisonment.
Despite avoiding jail time on the new charge, Cortez was unable to settle previous outstanding fines totaling $340. As a result, a warrant was issued, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison to serve time in default of payment.
“I don’t have any money. My daughter lives in Cayo,” Cortez told the court.
The post Another Taylor’s Alley Bust: Salvadoran man fined $250 for crack pipe but still ends up in jail for old fine he can’t pay because ‘his daughter lives in Cayo’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 53-year-old Salvadoran national who pleaded guilty to a drug-related offense narrowly avoided an immediate custodial sentence, but was still remanded to prison due to outstanding fines. Jose Mauricio Cortez appeared unrepresented before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2 of the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this week, where he pleaded
The post Another Taylor’s Alley Bust: Salvadoran man fined $250 for crack pipe but still ends up in jail for old fine he can’t pay because ‘his daughter lives in Cayo’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.