Police Officer Caught Pawning Stolen Jewelry from LA Firefighter

A local police officer in Belize City has been charged with handling stolen goods following a theft reported on August 31 by a Los Angeles firefighter, 41-year-old Gilbert Lightburn Jr.

The theft reportedly occurred around 2:15 a.m. following an altercation at Shisha’s NightClub on Newtown Barracks. In the incident, Ian Abraham, Javan Abraham, and Mark Usher had to be hospitalised for stab wounds that Lightburn alleged to be ‘in self-defence.’

According to Lightburn, several valuable items were stolen from him that same night, including two Miami Cuban link chains worth $20,000 and $30,000, and a 24-carat American Buffalo Indian Head Coin valued at $7,500.

On Monday, September 9, 2024, local police officer Hersel García, 43, was identified attempting to pawn one of the stolen chains at a local shop.

The investigation was supported by surveillance footage and a house search. García was formally arrested and charged on Saturday, September 14, 2024, for Handling Stolen Goods. Police continue to investigate.