Orange Walk East Representative Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez is facing charges of child molestation tonight. First off, because minors are involved, we cannot go into details about his relationship with the accusers. But we can say definitively that today two children in the company of a female adult went to the Department of Social Services Office in Orange Walk Town to make a report that Mendez had inappropriate contact of a sexual nature with them.
Credible reports tells us that the allegations are being made by two teenaged females who allege that the inappropriate contact started some years ago - before the age of consent. We were reliably informed this evening that the matter has been turned over to police for a criminal investigation. Sources tell us that it is possible that charges at least of indecent assault will be brought against Mendez. Indecent assault is the charge employed when there has been fondling but not penetration.
It is unprecedented for such charges to be brought against a sitting member of the House of Representatives, and while indecent assault is bailable - and persons are innocent until proven guilty - for someone sworn and paid to uphold one of the highest offices in the land - being accused of child molestation likely makes his public position untenable. And, in Tulio Mendez's case it is made even more so by the particular personal circumstances of the case, which, again, we cannot discuss, because there cannot be any suggestion of the identity of the alleged victims.
And so there are weighty political ramifications, principally, will Tulio Mendez be forced to resign as Area Representative? As we have reported, in November, the 51 year old announced that he would not be seeking re-election because, he claimed to have health issues. Well, this allegation of personal misconduct far exceeds that, and both he and his party, the PUP are under intense pressure to make their next move.
The PUP - which can hardly afford to be seen to uphold such conduct - has played it conservatively so far. In a statement by text this morning, Leader Francis Fonseca told us, quote:
"I have spoken to Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez. His position is that if in fact any such allegations do materialize, he intends to defend and protect his name and reputation vigorously.
At this point given the information available to me I am unable to comment beyond that. Obviously if and when further information becomes available the Party will review and act accordingly.
Any such allegation must be treated with the greatest of seriousness but I reiterate that at this point all that has come to the Party and me has been rumour and speculation." End quote.
We are told the PUP will have an emergency meeting of standard bearers and parliamentarians, and executive members tomorrow - where the Tulio Mendez issue is expected to be front and center.
Email
Print