By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize Defence Force soldier convicted of perverting the course of justice broke down in court on Thursday as he pleaded for leniency and a chance to be home with his family for Christmas. BDF Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Morales, both of the Orange Walk District, returned under heavy escort to the Lower Court on Coney Drive for a mitigation hearing following their conviction last month.
On November 12, 2025, a Senior Magistrate found the men guilty of giving false and misleading statements in connection with the shooting death of fellow BDF soldier Jessie Escobar. Escobar was killed in Santa Familia Village on September 5, 2021, and the two officers were found to have intentionally omitted key details in official statements.
Before sentencing could be handed down, Thursday’s mitigation hearing began with Alcoser calling six character witnesses. He then took nearly 40 minutes to address the court, tearfully insisting that he never meant to commit a crime and that his actions were tied to his duty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I ask the court to pardon me and be merciful and lenient,” he pleaded. Alcoser highlighted his academic achievements, strong service record, and commitment to the military, saying his years of sacrifice were now overshadowed. “I have lost everything… they want to nail me to the cross when I was just serving my country,” he said, adding that he is now viewed as a criminal despite believing he acted in good faith.
Alcoser also described his encounter with an inmate who claimed he had faced the same charge years earlier but only paid a $500 fine. He urged the court to consider fairness in sentencing.
The mitigation for PC Morales also began, with a prison doctor testifying that Morales has a serious history of mental health struggles, including a recent suicide attempt while in custody. She told the court Morales requires specialized treatment that is unavailable at the Kolbe Foundation. “He needs someone to look after him, and we don’t have that at Kolbe,” the doctor stated.
The proceedings were adjourned at 5:30 p.m. and sentencing was postponed to December 9, 2025. Both convicted officers remain on remand at the Belize Central Prison until their fate is decided.
The post BDF soldier tearfully begs court for chance to be home with family for Christmas; Police officer’s doctor claims he attempted suicide in prison as duo await sentencing for perverting justice appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize Defence Force soldier convicted of perverting the course of justice broke down in court on Thursday as he pleaded for leniency and a chance to be home with his family for Christmas. BDF Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Morales, both of the Orange Walk
The post BDF soldier tearfully begs court for chance to be home with family for Christmas; Police officer’s doctor claims he attempted suicide in prison as duo await sentencing for perverting justice appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.