Assault Charges Dropped Against Former Coast Guard Officer

Assault charges against former Coast Guard officer Shakeem Rashaad Richards were withdrawn this week in Belize City Magistrate’s Court.  26-year-old, Richards, was accused of assaulting two police officers in November 2023 during a struggle at Long Island Bar, an incident that went viral on video. The prosecution informed the court that the two police complainants no longer wished to proceed with the case, leading to the withdrawal of two counts of aggravated assault and one count of threatening words. Richards, who was unrepresented, was told he was free to go. Outside the courtroom, Richards stated he believes the officers realized he’s a public servant, and they lacked sufficient evidence. He explained the confrontation began when he was denied re-entry to the club after stepping out, leading to a struggle with officers at the entrance. In 2023, Richards’ mother, Justice of the Peace Agnes Marcella Thompson, spoke out, questioning the viral video’s portrayal of events. She claimed her son told her he was refused entry after paying to enter the club and was then “roughed up” and disrespected by officers. Richards also revealed he was found guilty in a Coast Guard tribunal related to the Long Island incident, but wasn’t formally interdicted until October 2024. He received half-pay until December 2024 before his pay was seized, and though told he would be dismissed, he has not received a formal dismissal letter. Outside the court room, he said he was satisfied with the ruling.

This case is separate from a more serious charge Richards faces. He is currently on interdiction from the Coast Guard, stemming from an alleged armed robbery at a Puma Gas Station in 2022. That robbery trial is set for September of this year. Richards remains on Supreme Court bail for that matter and is still seeking new legal representation after his former attorney, Oscar Selgado, was convicted of abetment to murder.