Accused Rapist Remanded to Belize Central Prison After Bail Revoked

Thirty-four-year-old Ronlee Petillo has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison, after having his bail revoked. Petillo was out on bail after being charged with rape and aggravated assault in December 2022. In May 2023, he was arrested and charged with being a member of a gang. When he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today, the Chief Magistrate ruled that he had violated the conditions of his 2022 bail by being charged with a criminal offense while out on bail. Petillo’s preliminary inquiry into his rape trial was also held in court today, where the prosecution presented evidence intended to be used against him at trial. These include twelve witness statements, three statements from the alleged victim, and six documentary exhibits. The Magistrate was satisfied that Petillo has a case to answer to and his trial for rape and aggravated assault at the High Court of Belize was set for January 17, 2024.