U.S. Fugitive Captured in Belize

Ladd Duane Ottofy

A U.S. national indicted on sex charges and wanted in Kentucky was detained in Belize this morning. The Special Branch Unit zoomed in on sixty-year-old Ladd Duane Ottofy who was residing at an apartment complex owned by former U.D.P. senator Juliet Thimbriel in Ladyville. Local officers who were accompanied by officials from the U.S. Embassy, made this arrest early this morning while Ottofy was in the building. According to U.S. news media, Ottofy was indicted in March on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of first-degree sexual abuse on a victim under age twelve, one count of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree sodomy.  Ottofy is accused of sexually abusing several juveniles between November 2017 and December 2018. He was released on a twenty-five thousand dollars cash bond in January and was to reappear in court in March but failed to do so. He fled the U.S. after posting bail. It is not clear when he entered Belize and how long he has been residing in Ladyville. This morning Commissioner of Police Chester Williams shared what he knows of the case.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“This morning they did went to an apartment building in Ladyville in search of a U.S. national who is wanted within that jurisdiction. It has been confirmed that the subject was found and is in police custody. Arrangements will be made with U.S. embassy in terms where do they go from here.”

Duane Moody

“This was done with the police in collaboration with U.S. nationals?”

Chester Williams

Chester Williams

“Yes.”

Duane Moody

“Do you know what this person was wanted for?”

Chester Williams

“No. I must say that it is very pathetic to see to what extent some people would go with a view to discredit others and more so for the most part they try to discredit the police department But we are a professional organization and we continue to be as responsible as we should in terms of reporting to the public.”