By Belize Live News Staff: A San Pedro contractor is facing criminal charges after being accused of deceiving an American national out of $16,750 in a house construction deal that allegedly went cold. Mark Botes, 35, was arraigned in Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of obtaining property by deception.
The charge stems from a complaint by Chris Burton, 47, who claims he paid Botes in April 2024 for house plans and early-stage construction. Burton alleges that after September of that year, communication stopped, and no substantial progress was made on the project.
Botes, however, insists he’s innocent. “I’m not guilty. I will prove it. I have all my receipts,” he told reporters after court. He claims he showed the police pictures of the work already completed on the property and is baffled that charges were still filed.
His attorney, Norman Rodriguez, said the allegations misrepresent what occurred. According to Rodriguez, Botes had a contract with Burton and has documents to support work completed, including invoices and receipts. “This man has done work. He’s hired people and submitted plans,” Rodriguez said, suggesting the accusation is rooted in a misunderstanding.
The case is ongoing. Botes has been released on bail, and a court date is expected to be set soon.
