Belize City, Belize, Belize
On or about February 10, 2012, Yolanda Garcia, 41, was convicted and given a custodial sentence for trafficking of persons by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. Garcia is a hair dresser and manager of the La Serenita Bar located on Regent Street West. She is also a mother of three. According to the police, from June 29 to July 6 of 2010, she engaged in the trafficking of persons when she hired a 17 year-old female minor to work in her bar. The minor told police that she had just graduated from high school. This minor also said that Garcia allegedly told her that part of her job description is that she is required to have sex with customers for money.
Location
Belize · Belize City, Belize · 2012 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
Garcia testified in court, and she denied ever employing the young woman. Chief Magistrate Smith didn't accept her version, and after 15 months of continuity, the trial came to a close with a guilty verdict. Chief Magistrate Smith sentenced her to 12 months imprisonment. Garcia was represented by attorney Simeon Sampson, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Taitt-Vidal prosecuted the case.
Unknown.
Victim emancipation and aftercare, if any, was unreported.
Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don't have a verifiable source on file yet — use “Report a problem” below to add one.