Belize City Businessman Joshua Ashburn Faces Nine New Charges Amid Ongoing Legal Troubles

Belize City businessman Joshua Moses Ashburn is back behind bars tonight after being hit with additional charges in the High Court and Magistrate’s Court earlier today. Ashburn now faces a total of nine counts—five for possession of false documents and four for preparation of a crime. Ashburn began his day with a virtual bail hearing before Justice Rafael Morgan in the High Court, Orange Walk. Represented by attorney Hurl Hamilton on behalf of his lead attorney, Lynden Jones, Ashburn was granted bail for previous charges of possession of prohibited firearms, ammunition, and drug-related offenses. Crown counsel Derrick Staine raised no objection to the bail application, and Ashburn was offered bail in the sum of $15,000, either as one surety or three sureties of $5,000 each. His wife, businesswoman Xochil Natali Lopez, also secured bail under similar terms. The High Court imposed strict conditions, requiring both to report twice weekly to the Racoon Street Police Station, surrender their travel documents, and refrain from contacting witnesses or leaving the jurisdiction without permission. Their next court date is January 20, 2025. Just hours after his High Court victory, Ashburn was back in trouble, facing nine charges in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Initially charged with 10 counts, one charge for preparation of a crime was later withdrawn by the prosecution due to duplication. Appearing in the Magistrates Court, Ashburn faced allegations tied to false passports and immigration stamps. It is alleged that on November 18, 2024, at his Western Avenue residence, Ashburn possessed forged People’s Republic of China passports belonging to five individuals, each containing falsified Belize visas. Additionally, authorities allege he possessed tools, including multiple forged immigration stamps, purportedly intended for forgery. Ashburn, initially unrepresented, requested time for his attorney to arrive. Lynden Jones later appeared on his behalf as the charges were read. Since the prosecution awaits further directives from the DPP’s office, no plea was taken, though the Magistrate ensured Ashburn understood the charges. For the new charges, Ashburn was granted bail in the sum of $5,000, with one surety or two sureties of $2,500 each. The conditions require him to report to the Queen Street Police Station every Friday, remain at his Western Avenue address, and attend all court hearings, including his next date on January 20, 2025.