In a recent ruling delivered on July 14, 2026, a San Ignacio magistrate has dismissed the sexual assault charge brought against former Belize Police Department officer Durmen Dawson, determining that Dawson has no case to answer on that count.
Both Dawson and the complainant, Luanna Gillett — herself a former police officer — appeared before the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court for the latest proceedings. While the sexual assault allegation will not move forward, Dawson remains required to respond to a separate charge of harm stemming from the same 2024 incident. Notably, Dawson appeared in court without legal representation during the ruling.
The case traces back to an incident that unfolded on February 14, 2024, inside the San Ignacio Police Station. Gillett alleged that Dawson sexually assaulted her while both were serving as members of the Belize Police force. Security camera footage of the encounter was leaked and spread widely across public channels shortly after the incident made headlines.
Following the initial allegation, the Belize Police Department launched an internal disciplinary tribunal to investigate the claims. The tribunal found Dawson guilty of misconduct, and recommended his termination from the force due to the severity of the sexual assault allegation. Then-Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed to media outlets that he upheld the tribunal’s recommendation, and Dawson was formally dismissed from the department after the internal process concluded. Alongside disciplinary action, criminal charges for both sexual assault and harm were brought against Dawson ahead of the court proceedings.