Policeman Reginald Diego Arraigned on Extortion Charge

Reginald Diego

A police officer, Reginald Diego from the Corozal District, has been arrested and charged for the crime of extortion, following an incident over the weekend in which he allegedly coerced a U.S. national into paying him three hundred dollars to avoid a fabricated charge of five thousand dollars for driving up to a checkpoint without wearing a face mask.  According to the American motorist, Diego a policeman who was stationed at a checkpoint near Tower Hill told him that an arrangement can be facilitated to avoid the so-called charge.  The incident was promptly reported to the Belize Police Department and an investigation was conducted.  Earlier today, Diego was charged for extortion.   He will also be dealt with internally by the Professional Standards Branch.