By Belize Live News Staff: 51-year-old Cecil Gilbert Franklin, better known by his alias “G.I. Joe,” has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being charged with the rape of a 58-year-old woman. Franklin appeared in court without legal representation, and due to the serious nature of the charge, no plea was taken by the magistrate.
The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on the evening of October 21. According to police reports, the victim, a mother living in the Southside area of Belize City, was attacked by Franklin as she arrived at her apartment around 8:40 p.m. She reported recognizing Franklin, who ambushed her at her door, brandishing a knife. Franklin allegedly forced her into her home and raped her.
The police quickly detained Franklin following the incident. This is not Franklin’s first run-in with the law; he has prior convictions for robbery, wounding, and burglary.
Franklin will remain in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled for December 19, as the investigation continues.
