Norman Rodriguez Interdicted from Magistrate Post

Norman Rodriguez

Embattled lower court judge Norman Rodriguez is at home tonight on half-pay, following a decision by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to interdict him.  The announcement comes on the heels of his arraignment on Wednesday morning, after being charged in Belize City for a rape that allegedly occurred in Dangriga on April eleventh.  The magistrate is accused of sexually assaulting his former girlfriend while holding over in that southern jurisdiction several weeks ago.  In the wake of the allegation, Rodriguez has found himself at the center of a firestorm, with harsh criticisms coming from all corners.  Earlier this week, the alleged victim came forward in the media and gave an account of what transpired on the day in question.  On Thursday, her mother also rebutted suggestions that she is being bribed to defend the reputation of the accused magistrate.  Rodriguez’s interdiction took effect on Wednesday and remains in place pending the outcome of the case against him. Today, he was spotted in the area of the lower court across from the Supreme Court, but for now, he is not to preside over any court matters until his case is disposed of.