Interdicted Exhibit Keeper Rejects Plea Deal, Opts for Trial

A Belize Police Department Exhibit Keeper from the north has opted to face trial rather than accept a sentencing indication offered in the High Court.  Orange Walk resident Mario Bustillos, who is currently on interdiction, appeared before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on Tuesday. His attorney, Nazira Myles-Espat, had requested a sentencing indication as Bustillos considered pleading guilty to a charge of willful oppression. Justice Pilgrim informed him that, upon a guilty plea, he would be facing one year of imprisonment.  Bustillos rejected the indication and chose instead to proceed to trial. The matter has been adjourned to January 29, 2026, for a Case Management Conference.  The allegations stem from April 21, 2023, when Bustillos, then serving as an Exhibit Keeper, allegedly disposed of bags of cannabis-infused gummies without authorization. The discarded candies eventually made their way onto Belize City streets, resulting in 14 people, including several children, falling ill after ingesting them.  Bustillos remains out on bail and maintains his innocence.  This is not his first legal battle. In 2023, he was acquitted of 10 counts of negligent harm relating to the same incident but was later served with the current charge of willful oppression.  As the case progresses, all parties await the outcome of the upcoming case management proceedings.