On Tuesday, February 21, Constable 564 Rayon Martinez, the Governor General’s driver, was arrested and charged with twelve counts of theft.
And who was his victim? None other than the Governor General’s wife, Lady Norma Young.
The charges stem from a report made by Lady Young, 78, on Tuesday December 6, 2011. She and the Governor General reside in the Belama Phase 2 area of Belize City.
Lady Young reported to Belmopan Police that on Monday, December 5, 2011, her daughter brought her attention to some unauthorized withdrawals from her Scotiabank Account via the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
Lady Young made her own inquiries and remembered that the last time she had used her ATM card was on July 28, 2011, at the Belmopan branch of Scotiabank. At the time of its use, a withdrawal was done with the assistance of Constable Martinez, who at that time was the GG’s driver. The Scotiabank ATM card, since then, could not be located.
Further reports made by Lady Young were that a total of twelve withdrawals were made without her consent, between August 12, 2011 and December 2, 2011, amounting to $7,450.
Police launched an investigation which led to the search of a black Toyota 4-Runner, bearing license plates CY-C29862, belonging to Constable Martinez. This search resulted in the discovery of a Scotiabank ATM card with the numbers 6018317960061518, confirmed to be that of Lady Young.
Constable Martinez was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court, where he was offered and met bail (amount unknown); the matter was adjourned until March 30, 2012.