Sandhill Woman Remanded on Unlawful Sexual Intercourse Charges

A thirty-seven-year-old Sandhill woman has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse involving a fifteen-year-old boy.

Sherise Shelmadine Moralez, a cook from Mile 19 on the Philip Goldson Highway, appeared before the Chief Magistrate this morning. The allegations are that Moralez had sexual intercourse with the minor twice at her home on July 30, once in a bathroom and again in a bedroom.  No plea was taken because the charges are indictable. Moralez’s attorney, Orson “OJ” Elrington, asked the court to exercise its discretion and grant bail. He argued that the provision under which his client was charged refers to carnal knowledge of a girl and does not specifically mention a boy.  The prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that the fifteen-year-old is the alleged victim and that the lower court did not have the authority to grant bail. The Chief Magistrate agreed and remanded Moralez until November 16, when disclosure is expected to be provided.  The court indicated that bail could be reconsidered after ninety days if Moralez is unsuccessful in obtaining bail from the High Court.  Police say the minor, accompanied by his mother, made a report at Ladyville Police Station on August 6. Moralez was detained on Sunday and later interviewed under caution in the presence of a Justice of the Peace. Police say she denied the allegations but was subsequently charged following their investigation./