Maintenance Worker Remanded for Inappropriate Contact with Minor

Jose Luis Gonzalez

Tonight, forty-year old maintenance worker, Jose Luis Gonzalez of the West Lake Community on the Western Highway is on remand at the Belize Central Prison accused of touching a minor inappropriately on her breast.  The alleged victim is eleven years old. This morning, Gonzalez appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith in court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. There was heavy objection to bail due to the prevalence of the crime which is sexual in nature and against a minor.  The Chief Magistrate denied bail to Gonzalez, telling him that she is of the view that he may try to interfere with the victim and even commit another offense while out on bail hence his next court date is November thirtieth.