Belize City Man Charged with Burglary with Intent to Rape

A Belize City construction worker is facing serious charges after allegedly being caught in a disturbing act inside a woman’s home over the weekend. 26-year-old Steve Ferrell, also known as “Dina,” appeared in Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning to answer to a single charge of burglary with intent to rape. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on Sunday, May 25, when Ferrell allegedly entered the southside residence of a 32-year-old woman while she was asleep and was found lifting her dress and exposing himself. According to police reports, the victim, a cook by profession, told officers that she had been baking earlier in the day and opened her front door for ventilation before falling asleep on a sofa in her living room. Her 10-year-old daughter was also present, playing on an iPad nearby. About 25 minutes later, the woman was awakened by the sensation of someone lifting her dress. When she opened her eyes, she was shocked to find a dark-skinned man with short dreadlocks, wearing a royal blue shirt and red jersey pants lowered to his knees, standing in front of her. She reported that he was holding her dress up with his left hand while peeping under it, and that his private parts were visibly erect. The woman, who has known Ferrell for over 20 years and considered him a family friend, identified him immediately. She recounted that after a few seconds of shock, she screamed for her mother. The next day, on Monday, May 26, Ferrell reportedly turned himself in to the Raccoon Street Police Station, where he was informed of the complaint and formally charged. During his arraignment this morning, Ferrell appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Ludlow Blackyear.  He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Bail was granted in the sum of $4,000 with two sureties of $2,000 each, under strict conditions. Ferrell is to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the complainant or her family, must not interfere with prosecution witnesses, must stay at least 100 feet away from the victim, and is required to report to the Raccoon Street Police Station every Friday, beginning May 30. He is scheduled to return to court on July 22, 2025.