Belize City Police Officer Granted Bail After Theft Charge Arraignment

Tonight, a Belize City police officer is out on bail after being formally arraigned this morning on a charge of theft. 26-year-old Mark Marcello Lopez, a serving member of the Belize Police Department originally from Hopkins and residing on Croton Lane, appeared before a Senior Magistrate to answer to the allegation.  Lopez is accused of stealing $150 in cash from Andrew Pitts on Tuesday, November 18. Upon being criminally charged, he was immediately placed on interdiction pending the outcome of the case.  In court, Lopez, who appeared unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the single charge of theft. With no objection from the prosecution regarding bail, the Senior Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $800 plus one surety of the same amount but imposed several strict conditions.  Lopez must not contact the virtual complainant or any member of his family, must not interfere with prosecution witnesses, and must remain at least 100 yards away from the complainant and his establishment. In addition, he is required to report to the Mahogany Street Police Substation every Friday, beginning November 28, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  Police officials have remained tight-lipped about the details of the alleged incident, and despite efforts made throughout the day, no further information has been released regarding the circumstances surrounding the theft.  Lopez is scheduled to return to court on January 12, 2026.