Woman Freed After Alleged Car Theft Case Dropped in Court

Twenty-five-year-old Amber Usher is a free woman tonight after the alleged victim in her attempted theft case dropped the charges. Usher, a Crown Street resident, was denied bail Tuesday for allegedly trying to steal Ernest Russell Neal’s 2001 Camry taxi, reportedly parked with keys in the ignition near BTL Park. Remanded to Belize Central Prison on July 9, Usher appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning. Ernest Russell Neal took the stand, stating he did not wish to proceed with the case. When asked why, Neal explained he realized Usher’s father was his best friend. He added that Usher’s father mentioned she has “a mental issue.” Neal confirmed he was not coerced and acted of his own free will. Based on Neal’s request, the prosecutor offered no further evidence. The magistrate then dismissed the attempted theft charge against Usher. Usher was initially arraigned on July 9 for attempted theft and remanded until August 27. The day before, on July 8, she appeared in court for damaging Clayburn Guzman’s property, including a speedometer and a headlight, valued at $107. She was granted $1,000 bail for that charge, which is adjourned until August 27. With the attempted theft charge dismissed, Usher now only faces the damage to property charge.