Belize Police Officer Allegedly Stole $320 Worth of Casino Chips

Posted on: September 18, 2024, 09:48h. 

Last updated on: September 19, 2024, 09:44h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A police officer with the San Pedro police department on the Caribbean island of Belize was arrested on Tuesday after a suspect’s casino chips and cash went missing.

San Pedro on the Caribbean island of Belize
San Pedro on the Caribbean island of Belize, pictured above. A local police officer was arrested after a suspect’s casino chips went missing. (Image: TripAdvisor)

Officer Keir Roebin David Morey, 28, of San Pedro Town, was charged with theft.

The incident began when a suspect reported $320 worth of casino chips and $15 in cash left at the police station were stolen, according to Channel 5 Belize.

The victim, Kevin Salazar, a 28-year-old bartender from San Pedro Town was arrested on September 10 at San Pedro’s Palm Casino after a search of his person revealed him to be carrying illegal drugs. Salazar was booked at the San Pedro Police Station.

Handed Over Personal Possessions

On September 11, Salazar was charged with possession of controlled drugs. Salazar pleaded guilty to the charge at the San Pedro Magistrate Court and was fined for the offense.

Upon his processing, Salazar had given officers at the police station the casino chips and $15, authorities said. He also handed over a cell phone, a watch, and a silver chain.

When he returned to the police station, the casino chips and cash were missing, according to the TV news report. The other items were returned to him.

A police department employee said Salazar never signed a document for the casino chips or cash, which reportedly included two green chips worth $50 each, as well as 22 red casino chips valued at $10 each.

Investigation After Items Missing

Officers initiated an internal investigation that included reviewing video from a surveillance camera.

Later, a complaint was made against Officer Morey who was officially arrested on Tuesday.

There’s no word on whether Morey was suspended from his job or if the money and casino chips were ever returned to Salazar.

San Pedro is located in the southern portion of Ambergris Caye, an island in northern Belize.