by Roy Davis (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 24, 2023

Former special constable Carlos Chavez, 35, who on March 14 was convicted of three sexual offences against a 14-year-old girl, was sentenced today in court by Justice Antoinette Moore.

For assault of a child by penetration, Chavez was sentenced to 12 years in prison. For the first count of unlawful sexual intercourse, he was sentenced to 8 years. And for the second count of unlawful sexual intercourse, his sentence was 10 years. But Justice Moore stipulated that the sentences are to run concurrently, so he will only serve a prison sentence of 12 years. His sentence is to commence from March 14, when the verdict was handed down.

Chavez was allowed to speak on his behalf before he was sentenced. He expressed remorse for what he did and he asked for leniency.

Justice Moore told him that the victim, who was 14 years old at the time, had looked to him as a father figure, and that he should have been an exemplary person to her. She said that on more than one occasion he went to where the child slept and sexually assaulted her. She told Chavez that he was put in a position of trust, and he betrayed that trust.

Justice Moore commented that sexual assaults on minors have become prevalent in Belize, and she expressed her hope that the sentences will send a message that crimes of such a nature will not be tolerated.

The trial was held at the High Court in Corozal Town.

Chavez was represented by attorney Oscar Selgado.

Crown Counsel Javier Chan represented the Crown.