ComPol says Reynaldo Verde is not home free

Allen Whylie

The conviction of a Police Officer and his sentencing on Friday for ammunition found in his home has brought new attention to the Reynaldo Verde case. An unlicensed weapon was found in Verde’s washroom on January third during a search of his Belize City home, yet he was released that same day without charges being brought against him. Today Whylie also commented on that matter, saying that as far as he is aware, Verde is not home free just yet, and may still be charged by the Police Department.

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Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police

“That matter concerning Mister Verde, I was assured that the statement have been submitted or the files have been submitted to the D.P.P. office so it is not to say that Mr. Verde will not be charged; if the D.P.P. so directs. But I gather that there were other circumstances that the officers who were dealing with his matter did not feel comfortable with charging. But that is why you have reviews done by the D.P.P.”

Reporter

“Sir can we ask you as the, at the helm of the police department, are you concerned of appearances of uneven treatment under the law? We have the case of Mr. Anwar Zetina and then we have Mr. Reynaldo Verde and then you have Corporal Gino Peck, who has been sort of a scapegoat in this particular instance. How do you address the public who sort of have a perception that uneven treatment under the law exists and these are three examples that has happened?

Allen Whylie

“Well the law should be applied equally across the board. I don’t think there is anybody more important than any other person. As we say there is processes, there is procedures that must be followed, there is investigation and if there is doubt, then there is consultation. As long as I am commissioner I will try as best possible to ensure that the law is applied equally across the board.”