Manuel Moralez is Arraigned for Arson

One of the suspects believed to be involved in the arson of three vehicles, totaling almost half a million dollars, is now behind bars awaiting bail at the High Court. Twenty-two-year-old Manuel Anthony Moralez, a construction worker from Sandhill Village, appeared before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola this afternoon. He was read three counts of arson, but did not enter a plea due to the severity of the charges. Allegedly, on December twenty-second, 2024, in Belize City, Moralez and others intentionally set fire to a black 2022 Escalade valued at a quarter million dollars, owned by Bob Hotchandani, which was parked in front of his residence on Barrack Road. He is also accused of destroying a 2023 grey Audi Q-7 worth one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, also owned by Bob Hotchandani, and a brown Chevy Silverado valued at eighty-five thousand dollars, owned by Sunjay Hotchandani. The prosecutor objected to bail, citing the grave nature of the offense and the substantial damages involved. He also highlighted the strength of the prosecution’s case, including surveillance footage, and expressed concerns that Moralez might flee or interfere with the ongoing investigation. Additionally, there are fears for Moralez’s safety, as others involved might harm him to prevent him from naming them. Chief Magistrate Wegodapola agreed with the prosecutor’s objections and denied bail, remanding Moralez to prison. His next court date is set for January twenty eighth, 2025.