By Belize Live News Staff: A police officer has been arrested and charged for handling stolen goods in connection with the theft of high-value jewelry from an American tourist. The incident, which took place on August 31, 2024, involved a theft reported by Gilbert Lightburn Jr., a 41-year-old firefighter from Los Angeles, California.
According to Lightburn, the theft occurred during an altercation at Shisha 8 Lounge on New Town Barracks, Belize City, where his two 14-karat Miami Cuban link chains valued at $20,000 and $30,000, respectively, and a 24-karat American Buffalo Indian Head Coin encased in 14-karat gold, valued at $7,500, were stolen.
The case took a dramatic twist on September 9, 2024, when a police officer, identified as 43-year-old Hersel Garcia from Belize City, was caught at a local pawn shop attempting to pawn one of the stolen Cuban link chains. Surveillance footage and further investigation led authorities to arrest Garcia, who has since been charged with Handling Stolen Goods.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has raised concerns about trust within the force, with one officer now facing charges for pawning stolen property.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as more details emerge.
