Prestige Owner Granted $10,000 Bail on Deception Charge

Amado Alexander Badillo, owner of Prestige Auto Sales Company, was arraigned this morning in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of obtaining property by deception. Badillo pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola.

The charge stems from allegations made by Theresa Ismar Flores, a 35-year-old receptionist from Ladyville. Flores reported that on November 21, 2023, she paid Badillo a total of $14,000 in two installments for a black 2018 Ford Focus, which he promised to deliver within 2-3 weeks. However, the vehicle was reportedly never delivered.

With no objections from the prosecution, Badillo was granted bail of $10,000 plus one surety of the same amount or two sureties of $5,000 each. As part of his bail conditions, Badillo must stay away from the complainant and refrain from being charged with any new offences while on bail.

In court, Badillo stated that Flores currently has one of his vehicles, which he had loaned her while awaiting the arrival of the purchased car. The prosecutor clarified that Badillo must arrange for a third party to handle any interactions with the complainant to avoid breaching his bail conditions. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment.

Badillo is scheduled to return to court on February 26, 2025.