2 months ago, the biggest story coming out of the north was the child molestation charges which were brought against disgraced Area Representative Marco Tulio Mendez.
He's accused of inappropriate contact of a sexual nature with 2 minors who claim that they were molested before the age of consent. Viewers may remember how the entire press core camped outside of the court room in Orange Walk Town, waiting for Mendez to make his exit from his initial arraignment. As we showed you, instead of facing the press as an elected member of parliament, Mendez chose to run away, and wait for the scandal to die down before he gave any meaningful comments to the media.
He went back to court today for a routine adjournment, and this time, he was more forthcoming - because there was only one Orange Walk based media house there. Here's what he had to say about the charges he is now facing:
Reporter
"Since it has been open to the public about the situation that you are going through, which is in front of the court right now, how has it been? Are you still a member of the parliament?"
Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez - Charged with Child Molestation
"Yes I am still a member. I haven't resigned. Of course I will just go through the course of the legal process."
Reporter
"What about area representative for Orange Walk East?"
Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez - Charged with Child Molestation
"Yes, I havent resigned. I am still the member for Orange Walk East area."
Reporter
"Your opposition Mr. Elodio has been pushing for your resignation. How do you feel about that?"
Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez - Charged with Child Molestation
"Resigned for what? It is a legal process that is going through and it is there that I am going to prove my innocence and that is it."
Reporter
"This whole debacle has somewhat tarnished your reputation as a politician and a parliamentarian of the House. Give us your take on it? How has it been since the facts or since it has been blown out in the public domain?"
Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez - Charged with Child Molestation
"It has been a very difficult for me and for my family. Of course, as I have always asked, I would really appreciate the respect for the issue itself and of course I love my family and I am doing everything that is possible to restore the emotional stability and everything that entitles being a family."
Reporter
"Do you remain your innocence in all of this? I mean, you are being accused of several charges?"
Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez - Charged with Child Molestation
"Of course, I will prove my innocence in the court."
Reporter
"With the public, there is a different perspective of you out there sir."
Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez - Charged with Child Molestation
"But it is the court that will decide and I will prove my innocence there."
Mendez goes back to court on August 11.
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