Woman Charged Under Cyber Crime Act for Defaming Police Commissioner

A Belize City woman, 37-year-old Nichole Gilda McDonald, has been charged under the Cyber Crime Act after allegedly posting a defamatory statement about the Commissioner of Police on Facebook. McDonald, an employee of the Youth Cadet Corp, was detained for four nights before appearing unrepresented in court, where she pleaded not guilty to the charge of using a computer system to disseminate false information. The statement accused Williams of involvement with drug dealers, which he reported as publicly ridiculing and harmful to his reputation. Given her circumstances as a mother of five, the magistrate granted her $1,000 bail with conditions, including staying away from Williams, not posting on Facebook about the matter, and refraining from contacting his family. If convicted, McDonald faces up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The case stems from a March 6 Facebook exchange where Williams noticed McDonald’s comment on a post discussing recent violent crimes in Belize, including multiple murders and alleged cartel activity. Williams, who initially engaged with the post, later found McDonald’s response directly accusing him of corruption. Feeling that the statement was false and damaging to his standing, he reported the matter, leading to McDonald’s arrest. The court has scheduled her next hearing for May 14, 2025, where she will have the opportunity to present her defense.