A 21-year-old man of Xaibe, Village Corozal, has been arrested and charged with carnal knowledge after he had sex with a 15-year-old girl on Friday, August 23, at the girl’s home.

After being taken to the Corozal Magistrate’s Court today, Victor Castaneda was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until Tuesday, September 30.

Police say that the girl and her mother, both of Xaibe Village, made a report to them of the incident, which they said occurred at her home.

Police took the girl to the Corozal Hospital, where she was examined by a doctor who certified that she had been carnally known.

Police immediately went to San Roman Village, where they arrested and charged Castaneda with the offense of carnal knowledge.

Police remind the public that a girl under the age of 16 cannot agree to sex. Even if she participates willingly, it is an offense and is punishable by a jail sentence of 8 to 12 years.