ComPol on Martinez Sentence: Martinez Was Not a Rogue Cop
Chester Williams
Last week, former Police Corporal, Kareem Martinez was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for the shooting death of Laddie Gillett. The fourteen-year-old boy was shot dead in Placencia in July of 2020. It was later revealed that the men in black were actually policemen who were summoned to investigate two suspicious youths who were loitering in the area near a resort. Martinez, who has served with the Belize Police Department was a good cop, according to Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, who thought Martinez’ sentence was a bit harsh. But in sharp contrast, Williams said another policeman, who was also sentenced for sexually assaulting a child, deserved every day of his sentence and perhaps more. In yet another case, a police officer, Brigilio Ack has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman police officer while on duty. Williams shares his thoughts on the three scenarios.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I would have said that the sentence is too lenient. You abused a child? I think you should be lost in prison. Period, full stop.”
Reporter
“Ok, then the third case involving a police was an officer who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman constable.”
Chester Williams
“Yes, the female officer did make a report to the police that whilst working at a booth I think on Rocky Road along with the male officer, he may have assaulted her sexually. Based on that, an investigation was conducted and the policeman was arrested and charged.”
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Kareem Martinez was not one of those rogue police. He certainly was an outstanding police officer. His truck record in the department is a stellar one. I am sure that on that day in question, he did not wake up with a mindset that he was going to kill somebody on that day, and I’m also sure that when the incident occurred, he was extremely remorseful as I don’t think that he would’ve intended to kill. If he was the type of officer who was out there and was abusive and these sort of things, I would’ve understood, but he was not that type of police.”
