Police Confirm Middleton Raid, Details Scarce

Barton Middleton

Police confirmed today that the Orange Walk house of visa facilitator Barton Middleton was searched on Thursday morning as we reported in our newscast. The search came on the heels of Middleton’s appearance before the Senate on Wednesday where he indicated he would not say anything further in respect of missing visa foils to which he has been linked. Perhaps Middleton has said too much already or knows too much and now isn’t talking which prompted the Commission Chair to remind witnesses of the consequences of perjury.  But back to Thursday search, the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie confirmed off camera that at the search at Middleton’s house on the San Lorenzo housing site a Justice of the Peace stamp was found with a fictitious name, but would not go any further. But we can say tonight that the stamp was made at a company in Orange Walk, Creative Graphics Impression, which is owned by one Hugo Mendoza.  It is further known that the stamp was picked up by an Immigration Officer who has already appeared before the Senate Inquiry.  The timing of the search, however, is interesting since the investigation is still ongoing, but it is no secret that Middleton feels he is under threat.  This is what Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said this afternoon:

Chester Williams

ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South

“I have no information relating to that. I think Mister Moody the Commissioner had said to you all this morning in the meeting that we had that the search did take place and I think that have confirmed that a stamp was found and that’s all we know right now. It is an ongoing process. It is being conducted by the police in Orange Walk and they are in the best position to speak with you where that is concerned.”