Belize City ammo charges have landed a family of three in court after police discovered over 150 live rounds. The incident occurred on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, at their Jr. Street home.
The family includes 45-year-old construction worker Virginio Roches, 32-year-old call center agent Melonie Murrillo, and their 15-year-old child. Police arrested them after finding a large quantity of ammunition, though no firearm was present.
Authorities charged all three with one count of keeping prohibited ammunition. Additionally, they faced two counts of keeping unlicensed ammunition. Officers made the discovery during a patrol operation in the Jane Usher Boulevard area around 4:00 p.m.
Police say they found 67 live 9mm rounds, 82 Aguila brand .380 rounds, and 20 prohibited .40 S&B brand rounds. The ammunition was hidden in containers, clothes, and even inside a knapsack found in the child’s room.
In court, newly appointed Magistrate Ludlow Black presided over the case. Roches quickly pleaded guilty, while his wife and teen denied the charges. As a result, charges against Murrillo and the minor were withdrawn.
Roches received a total fine of $9,000. He must pay $4,000 immediately for the prohibited rounds to avoid one year in prison. The remaining $5,000 is due over time. Failure to pay could result in additional jail time.
The court also issued him a one-year suspended sentence. Any criminal offense during this period may lead to imprisonment.
Roches claimed he found the ammunition in a black bag while walking near Jane Usher Boulevard. He said he kept it hidden, thinking it contained money.
Magistrate Black, however, expressed doubt. He emphasized the serious danger of keeping such ammunition around a child. He also stressed the ongoing fight against illegal weapons.
Belize City ammo charges like these highlight growing concerns about illegal arms in residential areas. Roches must pay the remaining $2,000 of his fine by June 24, 2025, or serve four months. All sentences will run concurrently.
