By Breaking Belize News Staff: A former Government of Belize Treasury Department cashier has been fined after changing her plea to guilty in connection with the theft of $5,000 in government funds in 2024.
Shamira Hope, 35, of South Street, Belize City, appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where she pleaded guilty to theft.
Hope had initially pleaded not guilty after being charged in 2024 but changed her plea when the matter returned to court.
As a first-time offender for theft, Hope was spared a custodial sentence. The Magistrate fined her $1,500, along with $5 in court costs. She has until November 27, 2026, to pay the $1,505 total or, in default, serve three months in prison.
The case dates back to October 2024, when officials at the Treasury Department discovered that $5,000 was missing from Hope’s cash pan.
According to the case facts, a finance officer conducted a cash check on October 2, 2024, and discovered that 100 fifty-dollar notes, totaling $5,000, were missing.
The officer reportedly confronted Hope about the missing money, and Hope allegedly admitted that she had taken the funds for medical reasons.
An assistant accountant general subsequently reported the matter to police.
Hope was later detained and taken to the Raccoon Street Police Station. Police say she declined to participate in an interview and was subsequently charged with theft.
The post Former Treasury cashier fined $1,500 for stealing $5,000 from Government; Says she did it for ‘medical reasons’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A former Government of Belize Treasury Department cashier has been fined after changing her plea to guilty in connection with the theft of $5,000 in government funds in 2024. Shamira Hope, 35, of South Street, Belize City, appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where she pleaded
The post Former Treasury cashier fined $1,500 for stealing $5,000 from Government; Says she did it for ‘medical reasons’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.