Jasmine Hartin Acquitted of Assault and Drug Charges in Magistrate’s Court

Socialite Jasmine Hartin has been found not guilty of common assault and possession of a controlled drug at the conclusion of her criminal trial in the Magistrate’s Court. The verdict was delivered earlier this week, bringing an end to charges stemming from an incident in San Pedro. Hartin appeared virtually when the decision was handed down.  Hartin had been charged with common assault against Sandra Grisham and possession of approximately point-five grams of cocaine. Her attorney, Arthur Saldivar, said the prosecution’s case was not strong enough to secure a conviction.  According to Saldivar, the court found weaknesses in the evidence, including inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony, which resulted in the acquittal on both counts.  The matter had a lengthy history before the court. The trial originally began in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court but was later transferred to Belize City after the magistrate was reassigned. In early 2024, Hartin changed legal representation from attorney Dickie Bradley to Arthur Saldivar, who requested transcripts since prosecution witnesses had already testified.  The case experienced multiple adjournments, and by mid-2024 the court granted permission for Hartin to appear virtually. Her attorney explained at the time that she needed to travel periodically due to a child custody matter in the Turks and Caicos Islands, while assuring the court she posed no flight risk.  Hartin had been out on bail, which was increased during the proceedings after the prosecution raised concerns she might leave the jurisdiction.  The acquittal closes the criminal charges related to the San Pedro incident. Hartin had previously been convicted in a separate matter in 2021 for the negligent manslaughter of Police Sergeant Henry Jemmott, for which she was fined and ordered to perform community service. Her attorney says that that aspect of the case remains before the court in relation to scheduling the community service.  With Monday’s ruling, the assault and drug possession case has now officially concluded.