7 News Belize

The “Meter Man” Walks
posted (December 13, 2017)

He was accused of stealing over 3,000 light meters from BEL, valued around $170,000 dollars, but tonight Burrell Boom Resident Santiago Padillo has been freed of that charge of theft.

Padillo was first arraigned on the offense of theft in April of this year before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. The electricity company accused him of stealing 3,033 meters which they placed in his care. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded.

Well, today, when he reappeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, the prosecution was not able to provide him or the court with disclosure on the case. The failure to deliver on time was consequential because even though the prosecutor was asking to for a further adjournment, Senior Magistrate Ford took into consideration that the case first ended up before the Magistrate’s Court 8 months ago.

So, instead of granting the adjournment, Senior Magistrate Ford dismissed the case, and told Padillo that he is free to go. Because it is a dismissal and not an acquittal, he can still be charged again.

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