1 of 3 Corozal Prisoners Recaptured; Policeman also Charged

Nineteen-year-old Johnito Matus, one of three charged for burglary offenses, managed to hack his way out of the Corozal Police Station holding cell two weeks ago. Also going at large at the time were Austin Sutherland and Marvin Pec. Matus was re-captured in his native San Narciso on Tuesday and now faces additional charges, while Sutherland and Pec remain at large. As a result of internal investigation by the Professional Standards Branch, a single Corozal police officer faces charges related to the escape. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino provides details.

Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino, C.I.B., Belize City

“Johnito Matus, he was one of the individuals who was recaptured from the three who escaped two weeks ago from the cell block in Corozal. He is a nineteen-year-old resident of San Narciso village; he was located at his residence on Tuesday and he has since been charged with escape and damage to property – damage to property will be the aspect of them damaging the cell block door in their escape.”

Wilfredo Ferrufino

Reporter

“Sir, the last time we had spoken on this particular topic, you had indicated that the Professional Standards Branch was going in to investigate. Can you tell us are there any updates? Are any of the police on duty suspected of being negligent, or not taking full care with managing and maintaining the detention of these prisoners?”

Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino

“I do know that an officer has been charged in regards to the escape of these prisoners; the details of that, I don’t have at this point.”