Convicted Public Officers Appeal Sentences in Perverting of Justice Case

Two convicted public officers, a police constable and a Belize Defence Force soldier, are now seeking to overturn their convictions and sentences after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice in late 2025.  The appeal matter was called up yesterday before Justice Derick Sylvester in the High Court, where a date was set for the hearing of their case. The appeal is scheduled for Monday, April 27.  The men at the center of the case are Police Officer Juan Carlos Morales and BDF Soldier Ramon Alberto Alcoser. Morales is currently serving a sentence of one year and eleven months, while Alcoser is serving one year and two months at the Belize Central Prison.  Both men are appealing not only their convictions but also the sentences imposed by a Senior Magistrate, who found them guilty after determining that they had provided false accounts and withheld critical information in relation to a fatal shooting incident.  That incident dates back to September 5, 2021, in Santa Familia Village, where BDF soldier Jessie Escobar was shot and killed. The court previously concluded that Morales and Alcoser had misled investigators during the course of that investigation, leading to their conviction for perverting the course of justice.  During yesterday’s proceedings, both men initially appeared unrepresented. However, the court was informed that Morales is represented by Attorney Alifah Elrington, while Alcoser will be represented by Attorney Oscar Selgado.  The prosecution is being led by Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal.  Following the brief court appearance, both Morales and Alcoser were remanded to the Belize Central Prison, where they will remain until their appeal is heard later this month.