Remand for Alleged Light Meter Thief

Santiago Padillo

Another alleged robber appeared in court this morning, only that the theft was significantly higher. Burrell Boom resident Santiago Padillo was arraigned for the theft of three thousand and thirty-three meters from the Belize Electricity Limited, valued at one hundred and seventy-seven thousand dollars.  Allegations are that the theft occurred between February and April of 2017. Padilla pleaded not guilty to the charge and while the prosecutor, Corporal Christopher Smith, did not object to bail, Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser was disturbed after she read the facts as presented. Padilla was trusted with the meters and it seems he betrayed that trust so she denied him bail and remanded him into custody at the Belize Central Prison.