Prominent UDP politician’s son allegedly involved

During the early hours of the morning of Boxing Day, December 26, 2013, a teenager was allegedly raped in San Ignacio, minutes after she exited the Princess Casino in that western town; however no charges have yet been levied against the supposed perpetrators, although the victim claimed that she was able to positively identify at least two of the three men.

The young girl said that she was pulled into a car by three men; thereafter, she was held down by two of the individuals, while the third raped her.

She reportedly told police that she went to a club in San Ignacio with the two men who held her down, both of whom she knew. However, the victim reported that it was another person, known only by the nickname “Doggy,” who actually raped her. She mentioned to authorities that she was struggling and screaming during the ordeal, and that is when “Doggy” slapped her and she passed out.

In her statement to police, the victim named two of the persons involved in the incident, and one of them is reportedly the son of a prominent UDP politician in Cayo.

Up until today, Monday, January 13, there have been no arrests in the matter, although police reported that three persons have already been detained and questioned. That has resulted in allegations of foot-dragging by the Police Department, who have categorically denied those allegations. Rather, they have maintained that any delay in the investigation or in the laying of charges is being caused by the victim giving somewhat conflicting statements to Police.

Since there was no official report regarding the incident on the usual police blotter, further details have been sketchy. The most substantial information that police released initially was a report that they were checking surveillance tapes from the casino in an attempt to identify the assailants.

Today, Amandala contacted the San Ignacio police, who told us that no one has yet been charged, but the case is still open and under investigation, and that the file has been forwarded to the DPP.

On Thursday, January 2, Deputy Officer in Charge of the San Ignacio Formation, Inspector Reymundo Reyes, had told News 5 in an interview that they indeed had three persons in custody who were interviewed based on the said report. He mentioned that the surveillance footage was being placed on CDs so that they could be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further advice.

Reyes noted that the police have to be “very careful” while reviewing the video clips, since two of the accused persons were reportedly still in the establishment when the alleged rape happened. He also mentioned that no arrests have yet been made because they do not have sufficient evidence against the person who has been accused of the crime.

The victim was confirmed to be carnally known via a medical examination. According to police, specimens have been taken from all persons who were detained, which will be sent for analysis based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions.