Man Walks Free After Time Served for Firearm Offenses

A Belize City man who spent more than a year and a half on remand for firearm offenses walked free yesterday after the court ordered time served.  Forty-six-year-old Ernie Valentine Zelaya appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate where he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on charges of kept firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license.  The court imposed a sentence of one year and six months’ imprisonment. However, because Zelaya had already spent one year and seven months on remand since his first arraignment on July 8, 2024, the Chief Magistrate ordered time served, making him free to go.  Zelaya had initially pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison pending a bail application to the High Court, which was never pursued. His matter was subsequently adjourned multiple times, and no trial date had been set.  According to police, the incident dates back to July 5, 2024, at about 12:30 a.m., when officers conducting mobile patrol along the Philip Goldson Highway between miles seven and eight in Ladyville stopped a beige Toyota Corolla taxi that was reportedly traveling without lights.  Officers say the driver, later identified as Zelaya of Faber’s Road Extension, appeared suspicious during the stop. A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the discovery of a rusty firearm under the driver’s seat along with ammunition. Zelaya was unable to produce a gun license and was detained and later charged.  In court back in July 2024, Zelaya became emotional, telling the court he had the weapon for protection due to fears for his safety. After initially indicating guilt, he later changed to a not guilty plea and remained on remand.  Yesterday, after accepting a sentencing indication that a guilty plea could result in time served, Zelaya changed his plea and was released from custody.