San Pedro Clerk Denied Bail in $500K Embezzlement Case, Attorney to Appeal

Bethsa Noemi Ramirez, a 34-year-old accounting clerk, was arraigned in San Pedro Magistrate’s Court today on a single charge of theft, accused of embezzling over half a million dollars from her employer, El Diamante Ltd. Ramirez, who is a naturalized Belizean, was denied bail despite her attorney’s arguments against her being a flight risk.  The arraignment, which lasted over an hour, saw heated debate regarding bail. The prosecution strongly objected, citing the substantial amount of money involved – $516,962.55 – and concerns that Ramirez might flee the country. They also pointed to precedents in similar cases where bail had been denied.  Ramirez’s attorney, Audrey Matura, argued that the charge was bailable and that the prosecution’s fears of her client absconding were unfounded. She emphasized that Ramirez is a mother, a naturalized Belizean with no dual citizenship, and currently employed, making flight an unlikely and detrimental course of action. Matura further pointed out that if Ramirez intended to flee, she would have likely done so already given the timeframe of the alleged theft, which spans from November 2019 to February 2023.  Despite Matura’s submissions, the San Pedro Magistrate ultimately sided with the prosecution. The Magistrate cited the large sum of money involved, existing legal precedent, and the prosecution’s concerns as the reasons for denying bail. The decision on bail now rests with a High Court judge. Matura expressed her intent to file for a special bail hearing in the High Court as early as this Friday, February 21, 2025. She requested the Magistrate provide the bail denial decision in writing, a request that was denied. Matura confirmed that she will appeal the decision.

Ramirez has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 23, 2025, pending the High Court’s review of her bail application.  The charges against Ramirez stem from a report filed by Lisa Guerrero, owner of El Diamante Ltd., a development company. Guerrero hired Ramirez in March 2019 for bookkeeping and personal assistance. In February 2023, Guerrero hired a consultant to prepare financial reports. The consultant discovered discrepancies, including checks cashed by Ramirez and utility payments made from the company account. Guerrero alleges that Ramirez admitted to the theft when confronted. A subsequent review of financial records from 2019 to 2023 revealed further discrepancies, totaling $516,962.55. Guerrero then filed a police report, leading to Ramirez’s arrest on February 14, 2025