A San Lazaro construction worker avoided prison after pleading guilty to theft and escaping police custody. Instead, he received fines with strict deadlines.
Shawn Rivas, 19, appeared before a Senior Magistrate on Wednesday and admitted to stealing two bicycles and a gas tank. He also confessed to escaping lawful custody.
The incidents happened in Orange Walk Town. On March 14, he stole a black bicycle worth $425 and a 50-pound gas tank valued at $150. Then, on March 17, he took another bicycle from Pew Pew Business. That same day, while in police custody on Cemetery Lane, he attempted to escape.
In court, the San Lazaro Construction Worker, Shawn Rivas, who had no legal representation, claimed he panicked and acted out of fear. He apologized and begged for a fine instead of jail time.
The Senior Magistrate stressed that theft is a serious crime. Although the stolen items had low value, repeated offenses could lead to prison.
Rivas received four separate fines:
- $500 + $5 court cost for stealing a bicycle (Due: June 30, 2025, or 5 months in jail)
- $400 + $5 court cost for escaping custody (Due: June 30, 2025, or 4 months in jail)
- $600 + $5 court cost for another bicycle theft (Due: July 31, 2025, or 6 months in jail)
- $600 + $5 court cost for stealing the gas tank (Due: August 29, 2025, or 6 months in jail)
The magistrate warned that if Rivas commits theft again, prison will be unavoidable.
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