By Breaking Belize News Staff: Well-known criminal figure Edward Saldano has opted to go to trial on a charge of contempt of judicial order after learning that the offense carries a mandatory prison sentence.
Saldano appeared on Friday morning before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2, unrepresented, where he requested a sentencing indication as he considered pleading guilty to the contempt charge. He specifically asked whether the matter could be disposed of with a fine. However, the court informed him that under the law, contempt of judicial order attracts a three-month prison sentence with no option of a fine.
Upon hearing the indication, Saldano rejected it and entered a not guilty plea, choosing instead to contest the charge at trial. His trial date has been set for April 9, 2026.
The appearance came just days after Saldano was denied bail in a separate, pending robbery case involving four other defendants. While the other accused were recently granted bail, prosecutors objected to Saldano’s release, citing a previous robbery charge and concerns that he was likely to reoffend if granted bail. The magistrate upheld the objection, and Saldano remains behind bars.
Saldano is also dealing with lingering gunshot injuries sustained in early 2025, when he was allegedly shot by police during an incident at the Michael Finnegan Market. Police have claimed he was found in possession of a firearm at the time.
In the robbery matter, Saldano and four others were first arraigned on October 9, 2025, accused of robbing a 23-year-old man at gunpoint and stealing his $500 cellphone. One co-accused initially pleaded guilty, but that plea was later rejected, resulting in all five men being remanded to prison. Earlier this week, three of the co-accused were granted bail of $10,000 plus two sureties of $5,000 each, while Saldano alone was denied bail.
For now, Saldano remains on remand as he awaits trial on the contempt charge and further proceedings in the robbery case.
The post Edward Saldano rejects guilty plea after learning contempt charge carries mandatory jail time appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Well-known criminal figure Edward Saldano has opted to go to trial on a charge of contempt of judicial order after learning that the offense carries a mandatory prison sentence. Saldano appeared on Friday morning before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2, unrepresented, where he requested a sentencing indication as he
The post Edward Saldano rejects guilty plea after learning contempt charge carries mandatory jail time appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.