Belize City Man Charged with Sexual Assault and Cybercrime Against Ex-Girlfriend

Tonight, a Belize City man is out on bail after being charged with sexually assaulting and committing a cybercrime against his ex-girlfriend. Forty-three-year-old Charles Patrick Herbert appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today, charged with sexual assault, transmitting images of a private area, and intentionally capturing images of a private area. The charges were brought by his ex-girlfriend, a 25-year-old woman. The allegations against Herbert are deeply disturbing. The complainant reported to police that she was shown two videos by her current common-law husband, videos that had been sent to him via WhatsApp. Upon viewing the videos, she recognized the sender’s number as belonging to Herbert. The videos, which were 48 seconds and 25 seconds long respectively, allegedly depicted the woman sleeping in her bed. In both videos, her clothing was pulled down, exposing her buttocks and genitalia, and someone could be seen touching her buttocks. The complainant stated she never gave Herbert, or anyone else, permission to enter her home or to film or touch her in this manner. Herbert pleaded not guilty to all three charges. Despite the not-guilty plea, the Senior Magistrate explained to Herbert that no explanation was needed at this point in the proceedings. Bail was set at $5,000 plus one surety, which Herbert met. His next court date is set for April 28. However, the Magistrate imposed strict conditions on Herbert’s bail. He is forbidden from contacting the complainant, her family, or any prosecution witnesses, directly or indirectly, including through social media or any electronic means. He must stay at least 25 yards away from the complainant’s home, work, or any place she frequents. The Magistrate explicitly stated that Herbert is not to be in any area frequented by the complainant. Furthermore, he is prohibited from obtaining, possessing, or distributing any images of the complainant. Any violation of these bail conditions will result in the revocation of his bail. Police have seized Herbert’s cellphone as part of their investigation.