Posted on: September 18, 2024, 09:48h.
Last updated on: September 18, 2024, 09:48h.
A police officer who works at the San Pedro police department on the Caribbean island of Belize was arrested on Tuesday after a suspect’s casino chips and cash went missing.
Officer Keir Roebin David Morey, 28, of San Pedro Town, was charged with theft.
The incident began when a suspect reported $320 worth of casino chips and $15 in cash left at the police station were stolen, according to Channel 5 Belize.
The victim, Kevin Salazar, a 28-year-old bartender from San Pedro Town, initially was arrested on September 10 at San Pedro’s Palm Casino.
He was socializing at the gaming property. A female police officer searched him and confiscated illegal drugs. Salazar was booked at the San Pedro Police Station.
Handed Over Personal Possessions
On September 11, Salazar was charged with possession of controlled drugs. It’s unclear what drug he had in his possession.
Salazar pled guilty to the charge at the San Pedro Magistrate Court. The judge fined him.
Upon his processing, Salazar had given officers at the police station the casino chips and $15, authorities said. He also handed over a cellphone, a watch, and a silver chain.
But when he returned to the police station, the casino chips and cash were missing, according to the TV news report. The other items apparently were returned to him.
A police department employee checked records. Salazar never signed a document for the casino chips or cash, the employee claimed.
But Salazar revealed how the chips and cash were handed over and now were missing.
They included two green chips worth $50 each, as well as 22 red casino chips valued at $10 each, Channel 5 reported.
Investigation After Items Missing
Officers initiated an internal investigation. They watched video from a surveillance camera and Salazar provided them a statement.
Later, a complaint was made against Officer Morey. He was detained by fellow officers and officers investigated him. On Tuesday, he was officially arrested. It’s likely the case will be brought to a local court.
No word if the police officer was suspended from his job. He was given his legal rights upon his apprehension.
It’s unclear if the money or casino chips were ever returned to Salazar.
San Pedro is located in the southern portion of Ambergris Caye, an island in northern Belize.
