BDF Soldier Charged With Theft of Clothing and MacBook

A Belize Defence Force soldier has been charged with theft after being accused of stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of clothing and an Apple MacBook belonging to a woman.

Thirty-five-year-old Marilou Elizabeth Aldana appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where she was arraigned on a single count of theft. Prosecutors allege that on June 26, Aldana dishonestly appropriated an assortment of clothing valued at four thousand U.S. dollars and an Apple MacBook valued at six hundred U.S. dollars, for a combined total of four thousand six hundred U.S. dollars, or approximately nine thousand two hundred Belize dollars. The items are the property of Ariel Gibson.  Aldana pleaded not guilty to the charge.  Before granting bail, the Senior Magistrate questioned Aldana about whether she knew or was related to the virtual complainant. In response, Aldana told the court that she did not know Gibson.  With no objection to bail from the prosecution, the court granted Aldana bail in the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars plus one surety in the same amount. She was able to satisfy the bail conditions later that afternoon and was released.  Aldana is scheduled to return to court on August 24, when disclosure in the matter is expected to be served. The allegations remain before the court, and no findings of guilt have been made.