Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2025. 1:13 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 58-year-old Ladyville man who admitted to stealing a Belize Defense Force soldier’s bicycle has been sentenced to four months in prison—and will also undergo a drug rehabilitation program while serving his time.
Joe Alberto Lauriano, a self-described chef of the Japan Area in Ladyville, appeared before Magistrate Court #3 where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of theft. The charge stemmed from the theft of a blue and pink 24-inch beach cruiser bicycle valued at $250, the property of a 48-year-old BDF soldier and driver.
According to police reports, on the morning of October 18, the soldier was awakened by his wife who alerted him that someone was under their house. When he went outside, he saw Lauriano—whom he has known for nearly 20 years—riding off on his bicycle. He immediately gave chase in his vehicle, caught up with Lauriano, confronted him, and retrieved his bicycle before reporting the matter to police.
In court, Lauriano quickly admitted guilt and told the magistrate, “I was lonely. I had no job. It is not something I like to do, but somehow I did it. I nuh usually do something like that. I’m sorry I did that.”
Lauriano, who said he lives alone as his son is incarcerated and his daughter resides in Honduras, also confessed to being a drug addict and agreed to participate in the Kolbe Foundation’s rehabilitation program during his imprisonment.
At sentencing, the magistrate considered both mitigating and aggravating factors. Due to a prior conviction for theft, Lauriano’s base sentence was set at seven months. However, after granting him a one-third reduction for his early guilty plea, his final sentence was reduced to four months behind bars.
Lauriano began serving his sentence immediately.
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The post Ladyville man sentenced to 4 months after riding off on BDF soldier’s bicycle; blames loneliness because son in jail, drug addiction appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2025. 1:13 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 58-year-old Ladyville man who admitted to stealing a Belize Defense Force soldier’s
The post Ladyville man sentenced to 4 months after riding off on BDF soldier’s bicycle; blames loneliness because son in jail, drug addiction appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
