Taxi Operator Accused of Assault Granted Bail

A Mahogany Street “dalla van” taxi operator accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl was granted bail today, moments after breaking down in tears and unexpectedly speaking fluent English, surprising the court that had been told he required a translator.  Forty-three-year-old Wenseslao Garrido-Veilz, a Guatemalan national with Belizean residency, appeared unrepresented before a Senior Magistrate to answer a single charge of sexual assault. Allegations are that on Saturday, November 22, on the George Price Highway, he intentionally touched the minor’s leg and vagina, acts deemed sexual in nature under Belizean law.  Garrido-Veilz initially responded not guilty in Spanish, while a translator was provided to assist him during the arraignment.  The police prosecutor strongly objected to bail, arguing that Garrido-Veilz poses a significant flight risk, given that he is a foreign national and could abscond at any time. The prosecutor also noted that the accused claims to have no passport, which in itself raised concerns.  When invited by the Senior Magistrate to explain why he should be granted bail, Garrido-Veilz pleaded that he has deep ties to Belize, including three Belizean sons, a wife, and his mother, whom he says rely on him as their sole provider. He insisted he had no intention of fleeing, adding that the only identification he possesses is his Belizean driver’s license.  After considering the arguments, the Senior Magistrate agreed to offer bail, though with strict and extensive conditions.  He was granted $5,000 bail plus two Belizean sureties of $2,500 each, and must abide by several conditions including staying away from the complainant.  It was at the exact moment he learned he would receive bail that Garrido-Veilz, still crying, suddenly exclaimed in English, “Thank you, God, I neva touch dah young lady!”, a declaration that shocked the Senior Magistrate, who had been under the impression he spoke no English at all.  Garrido-Veilz has since met bail and is scheduled to return to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on January 13, 2026.