Belize Coast Guard Officer Charged in Caye Caulker Robbery Case

Police have arrested and charged a Belize Coast Guard officer in connection with a robbery reported last week in Caye Caulker.  Thirty-three-year-old Anthony Agustus Neal was charged with abetment to commit robbery following a complaint made by Caye Caulker resident Jia Ai Hu. Police say evidence gathered during the investigation allegedly linked Neal to the offence.  The charge does not allege that Neal personally carried out the robbery. Instead, police are accusing him of assisting, encouraging or facilitating its commission.  Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided an update on the case.

Neal is expected to appear in court to answer to the charge.  The case has placed further scrutiny on the Belize Coast Guard, coming shortly after another of its members was charged in an unrelated matter. Twenty-nine-year-old Sheffan Devan Hemmans was previously charged with aggravated burglary in connection with the alleged theft of a pickup truck in Hattieville.  The two Coast Guard officers are facing charges in separate cases, both of which are now before the courts.