In July 2015, six men, Giovanni Murrillo, Emiliano Camara, Jerome Bowen, Goldburn Goff, Everon Teck and Dion Usher were charged for possession of a firearm and ammunition without license. According to Coast Guard reports, they discovered the 6 fishermen on an island in the Turneffe Atoll after receiving information about piracy in the area. Apparently, when they approached the fishermen they allegedly saw one of them throw a firearm out the window.
The alleged pirates were remanded to prison back in 2015 and were later granted bail. Today, only Goff, Teck and Usher appeared in the Magistrate's Court for the trial. Two of the other accused are presumed dead after being lost at sea, and one did not show up at court, but the trial still proceeded.
After hearing the trio's testimonies, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith found them not guilty, stating that she found the evidence presented by the coast guard to be highly suspicious. She also mentioned that the testimonies caused her to further doubt the Coast Guard.
According to the fishermen, they were captured by the Coast Guard and practically tortured for information. The trio alleged that they were tied up, blindfolded and thrown into the water and ordered to blow bubbles. After that, Usher said that they were dragged back on shore, and the officers placed a knife to his neck while questioning him about drugs and firearms.
According to the testimony, after the fishermen said they knew nothing about the drugs or guns, they were asked if they were familiar with "Colombian Surf", and after saying that they weren't, the Coast Guard allegedly explained that it is when you are thrown into the water with a cement block tied to your feet.
All three Coast Guardsmen involved denied committing any of the acts, but Smith said that because there is so much doubt about the case, she had no choice but to rule in favor of the fishermen and acquit them.
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