Two cops charged for carnal knowledge; more to come

Today police arrested two of their own in a sensational case that involves allegations of ongoing sexual relations with a fourteen year old girl. That child is now three months pregnant. Police constables twenty-five year old Gilroy Usher and twenty-six year old Elton Elijio appeared before Magistrate Margaret Gabb-McKenzie where they were arraigned on charges of carnal knowledge. The prosecutor, assistant superintendent of police and head of the prosecution branch, Linden Flowers, objected to bail while Attorney Dickie Bradley, who is representing both officers, told the court that the police have not provided sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges. McKenzie sided with the prosecution and Usher and Elijio were remanded to Hattieville prison until their next court appearance on May tenth. Although only two police officers have been charged, the teen has stated to police that she was sexually involved with four cops, including a high profile officer well-known to the public. The incidents allegedly occurred during a six month period from June to November of 2005. Unconfirmed reports, however, suggest that the minor may have been involved with one of the officers for at least two years and it is this individual the family strongly believes is the father of the child’s baby. Reports have also been surfacing that suggest the girl’s family knew of the child’s sexual relations with the officers and there were financial arrangements made between all parties concerned … arrangements that apparently came undone. Today Police Commissioner Gerald Westby would not go into the specifics of the case, saying that he only recently found out about the incident after the girl’s mother met with him.

Gerald Westby, Police Commissioner
?Well, we have had a record that whenever any complaint are made against the police, the record has always been there, we have always made sure that we effectuate arrest. So the record is there, but people must understand that policemen are entitled to due process. An allegation is made, we need to be thorough, we need to make sure that we gather the correct evidence. About two weeks ago the mother along with the young lady came to see me and when I became aware of it I immediately ordered that Mr. Mariano do whatever needs to be done. And once he is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence then we charge but we can?t charge just like that, because you know we need to make sure we gather proper evidence.?

Jacqueline Godwin
?It was only two weeks ago that you found out about this incident??

Gerald Westby
?Well, when the family came and complained to me at my office in Belize City, then I decided, I said how far the investigation has got, and I told Mr. Mariano you get at it and make sure that it gets done.?

At today’s arraignment prosecutor Flowers informed Magistrate McKenzie that other officers and civilians may be charged within twenty?four hours. It should be noted that unlike other accused perpetrators, Usher and Elijio were not handcuffed and were allowed to exit the vehicle unaccompanied.