Former Mayor of Benque Viejo and ex-Ambassador to Cuba, 50-year-old Said Badi Guerra, was granted bail this morning after appearing in the Benque Magistrate’s Court. He was charged with sexual assault, harm, and procuring defilement by threat.
The complaint was filed last week and involves a minor, whom Guerra confirmed was a “16-year-and-seven-month-old” male from San Ignacio who alleges that the incident occurred on July 14 in Benque Viejo. The teen was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Guerra confirmed he knows the complainant, describing him as “16 and seven months.”
Guerra maintained his innocence. He told the media this afternoon, “Belize knows me because I’ve worked with children and young people over the years since I was very young, and this is the very first time that these allegations have popped up, the first time I’ve seen myself involved in these kinds of things.”
According to Guerra, the public has wrongfully judged him, stating that “society needs to be more compassionate.” Guerra added, “Don’t take the position of God. Society, what would Jesus do?”
He said, “Every time there’s an incident that some people happen to do things, the society immediately jumps up and condemns and crucifies when it’s only an allegation. I will emphasise the word allegations because you’re innocent until proven guilty. Today it is still an allegation.”
Guerra was released on $10,000 bail with two sureties of the same amount.
