Posted: Friday, October 24, 2025. 7:20 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A simple gang hand gesture on social media has cost a Belize City man $5,000 after he pleaded guilty to promoting gang activity in court today.
Ken Dane Galvez, 22, a fisherman, was convicted before Magistrate Mannon Dennison on Friday after admitting to being photographed displaying a gang sign associated with the Crips—known locally as the “30’s.”
The image, which appeared on Galvez’s Facebook profile, showed him flashing the recognizable Crips hand symbol. Following an investigation by the Gang Intelligence Unit, he was charged under Belize’s gang suppression laws for promoting gang activity.
In court, Galvez, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. In mitigation, he told the magistrate that he is the sole provider for his children, as their mother is unemployed, and pleaded for leniency.
Taking into account that Galvez was a first-time offender, expressed remorse, and saved the court’s time by pleading guilty, Magistrate Dennison imposed a non-custodial sentence—a fine of $5,000 plus $5 court costs, payable by April 30, 2026, or in default, one year imprisonment.
Magistrate Dennison cautioned Galvez to stay away from gang-related behavior and avoid displaying gang insignia on social media, warning that such actions send the wrong message to others and could have serious consequences.
Under Belize’s Gang Suppression Act, the offense of promoting gang activity carries a maximum penalty of $20,000 or up to five years in prison.
Police say the conviction forms part of their ongoing crackdown on gang influence in Belize City’s southside, where the 30’s Crips are among several groups under close surveillance.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Comments
The post Man charged for throwing up ’30s’ Crip gang sign on Facebook but Court threw $5,000 fine his way appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, October 24, 2025. 7:20 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A simple gang hand gesture on social media has cost a Belize City
The post Man charged for throwing up ’30s’ Crip gang sign on Facebook but Court threw $5,000 fine his way appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
