Alleged Arsonist Arraigned for Lord’s Bank Fire

Jose Manuel Portillo

An alleged arsonist was before the court to answer charges in respect of a fire at a woman’s house in Lord’s Bank Village.   Jose Manuel Portillo was arraigned for an act of arson on August eighteenth, 2019 in which a wooden house along with household items went up in flames. It was the property of Kimberly Betancourt.  No plea was taken from Portillo and prosecutor, Corporal Kennard Clarke objected to bail asking the court to consider the seriousness of the offense because Portillo had allegedly made threats to the victim to burn down her house and later set it on fire.  It is believed he acted in a rage of jealousy. Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford upheld the objection to bail and remanded Portillo to the Belize Central Prison until October thirtieth.  Portillo had previously been charged with threatening words and common assault upon Betancourt. He pleaded not guilty and was offered bail, but that is of no use since he was remanded to prison today.