By Breaking Belize News Staff: A San Pedro High School teacher will spend the next year and a half in prison following his conviction for the sexual assault of two second-form students, however, following his conviction he has seen a wave of support from friends and colleagues who believe he is innocent.
Alex Jason Noralez, 47, a resident of the Boca Del Rio area, appeared before a San Pedro Magistrate today for sentencing. The court handed down two 18-month prison terms to run concurrently, meaning Noralez will serve a total of 18 months for his crimes.
The case against Noralez began in April 2024, following an investigation into several complaints of “indecent touching” at the high school. Evidence presented during the trial detailed a pattern of behavior that reportedly escalated over the first three months of 2024.
The two second-form victims testified that they had established a friendship with Noralez and frequently hung out in the Music Room, located on the third floor of the school, during lunch and break times. While the students initially viewed his hugs as friendly, they told investigators the contact became a “constant thing” that eventually involved the touching of their breasts and waists. Both students expressed that while the touching made them uncomfortable, they were afraid to speak up initially due to Noralez’s position of authority as a teacher.
Noralez was acquitted of a third count involving a 14-year-old first-form student. That allegation stemmed from an incident in the school’s auditorium during a Physical Education class on March 22, 2024.
The student alleged that Noralez directed her to the Music Room to retrieve a T-shirt. She testified that while she was searching for the shirt on the floor, Noralez lifted her into the air, touching her breasts, and later touched her buttocks. However, the Magistrate ruled that there was sufficient doubt regarding this specific count, leading to Noralez’s acquittal on that charge.
Represented by attorney Ronell Gonzalez, Noralez maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He admitted to hugging the students but insisted the actions were “innocent.” The court ultimately rejected this defense regarding the two second-form students.
The investigation was led by Sergeant Tamara Baptist, who formally arrested and charged Noralez in May 2024. This marks the first sexual assault conviction for the veteran teacher.
The post Teacher Alex Noralez sentenced to 18 months in jail for allegedly fondling 2 students while 3rd count thrown out against him for ‘sufficient doubt’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A San Pedro High School teacher will spend the next year and a half in prison following his conviction for the sexual assault of two second-form students, however, following his conviction he has seen a wave of support from friends and colleagues who believe he is innocent. Alex Jason Noralez,
The post Teacher Alex Noralez sentenced to 18 months in jail for allegedly fondling 2 students while 3rd count thrown out against him for ‘sufficient doubt’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.