Attorney Discusses Impact of Allegations on Mendez’s Professional Life

On Tuesday night, we shared with you an exclusive sit down with both Marco Tulio Mendez as well as with Andrew Bennett, attorney for Marco Tulio Mendez. Following Tuesday’s charge in Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court, Bennett said that he expects the case to go through its entire due process. While Attorney Bennett hasn’t commented extensively on the matter at hand because it is before the courts, he said that Doctor Mendez’s professional career has been impacted.

Isani Cayetano

“Mister Bennett, at this point your client has only been charged with six counts based on allegations made against him. In terms of the impact that this would have on his professional career, as a pediatrician, can you speak to us about what this would mean for his practice?”

Andrew Bennett, Attorney for Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez

“Well, obviously, this is already having an impact on his professional career. These are allegations and even if he comes out of this, because ultimately the jury will have to decide whether he is guilty or not. If he comes out, there will still be that stigma that will be attached to him and in my view there has been damage already in respect of it.”

Marco Tulio Mendez

Isani Cayetano

“In terms of Statutes of Limitations, if I may, as it concerns rape and other crimes of similar nature. There is certain time frame within certain allegations can be made and proven. This is relatively lesser, if I may, when compared to carnal knowledge and rape. I asked you earlier, with regards to the burden of proof in this case, isn’t there also a statute of limitation that would apply seeing that is an allegation that needs to be proven by the crown?”

Andrew Bennett

“Well, to address, there are two things that you raised just now; burden of proof and statute of limitations. As it relates to the charge, the D.P.P. or the Crown has elected to treat this matter as an indictable matter it doesn’t have any limitation. As it relates to the burden of proof that is entirely on the crown to prove beyond a reasonable doubt throughout the entire breadth of the case that he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”

Isani Cayetano

“Is there any responsibility on the part of those who are coming forward with this allegation that they should have brought these allegations a lot sooner than now? Is there any responsibility on their part, or would they be held to some degree of either responsibility or accountability for what has taken place and they did not come forward early enough?”

Andrew Bennett

Andrew Bennett

“I would prefer to say that the virtual complainants are minor – there is no responsibility on minors to come forward. The responsibility is on the investigators and ultimately the Crown to ensure that before charges are laid before any court that the investigation has taken place in a responsible manner so that no miscarriage of justice; no unethical actions took place within the allegation and the laying of charges before the courts. But, ultimately, I want to say that we are talking about minors and there is no responsibility on minors to come forward.”

Isani Cayetano

“As his lawyer, are you satisfied that, due process in terms of either the way the statement was recorded, with either a parent or adult around, has taken place in this matter up until what transpired this afternoon in Orange Walk?”

Andrew Bennett

“I would prefer to say that I would not want to speak about that. Ultimately, that is a matter for the Crown to deal with the investigation and in the laying of the charge. Our duty is to look at the evidence, impeach the evidence and test the veracity of it.”