Belize City Man Granted Bail In Case Involving Allegations With Minor

A Belize City man is out on bail tonight after being arraigned in court on a charge of committing a mischievous act against a minor, following troubling allegations involving an eleven-year-old girl.  Twenty-three-year-old Lucas Canti, a salesperson, appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate, where he was read a single charge stemming from an incident reported earlier this month.  According to police, the alleged incident occurred on April 3, when the minor reported that Canti attempted to grab her as she was heading from her room to a shared bathroom within an apartment building. The child told authorities that she felt fearful and uncomfortable during the encounter, adding that he also blocked her path.  In her statement, the minor further alleged that this was not the first time Canti had behaved in a manner that made her feel uneasy, recalling previous instances where he allegedly attempted to access her room through a small opening.  Police say statements were recorded from both the child and her mother, and an investigation was launched, leading to Canti’s detention and subsequent charge.  In court, Canti denied the allegations. He told the Chief Magistrate that on the day in question, he had been out purchasing food and claimed he was only attempting to hand tamales to the children. He maintained that he never tried to touch the minor in any inappropriate way and suggested the situation may have been misinterpreted.  Despite no objection to bail, the Chief Magistrate initially remanded Canti when he was unable to meet bail conditions. However, he was later able to secure bail with strict requirements.  As part of those conditions, Canti has been ordered to immediately vacate his current residence, relocate to a new address, and provide the court with verification of his new living arrangements, including a letter from his landlord.