Belize City Businessman Charged With Sexual Assault Involving Minor

A 51-year-old Belize City businessman has been arraigned in court on a charge of sexual assault involving a minor. Police say Richard Alexander Flowers appeared today before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he was formally charged in connection with allegations made by a female minor.  Flowers appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison in Court Number Six, where the charge of sexual assault was read to him. During the arraignment, Flowers entered a plea of not guilty.  The allegation before the court is that on Monday, March 9, Flowers allegedly touched the chin of a female child under the age of sixteen, specifically a child reported to be twelve years and six months old, and that the contact was sexual in nature and occurred without the minor’s consent.  After the charge was read, Flowers attempted to provide an explanation to the court. However, Senior Magistrate Dennison informed him that since he had pleaded not guilty, the matter would proceed to trial, at which time he would have the opportunity to present his defense.  The court subsequently granted bail to Flowers in the sum of four thousand dollars, plus two sureties of two thousand dollars each.  As part of his bail conditions, Flowers has been ordered not to interfere with or contact the virtual complainant or any prosecution witnesses. He must also remain at least one hundred feet away from the complainant, report to the Raccoon Street Police Station every Friday between seven in the morning and six in the evening and must not be arrested or charged with any similar offense while out on bail.  The matter has been adjourned until May 6, when it is expected to return to court for further proceedings.