A brewing controversy at Muffles College, located in Belize’s Orange Walk District, has led to a member of the teaching staff being placed on administrative leave following a serious allegation of professional misconduct involving an underage female student. The institution made this announcement in an official press statement dated October 15, 2026, nine days after the claim was first brought to school administrators’ attention on October 6.
School leadership emphasized that it views the allegation as an extremely grave matter, launching an internal investigation immediately after receiving the report. The educator implicated in the claim will remain on paid administrative leave for the full duration of the probe, a standard procedural step to preserve the integrity of the investigation. The public statement was released after local outlet News 5 made repeated requests for comment from school officials over the course of October 15.
Prior to the school’s announcement, News 5 obtained graphic text messages of a sexual nature that the outlet reports were exchanged between the minor student and the male teacher in question. Notably, Muffles College’s official statement does not detail the specific nature of the alleged misconduct, nor does it confirm whether the leaked text messages are included as evidence in the ongoing internal investigation.
In its release, the institution acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the situation, saying: “We are deeply concerned by the nature of this allegation and acknowledge the distress that this matter has caused to our students, faculty, staff, parents and the wider community.”
Muffles College confirmed that it is aware of separate, parallel investigations being conducted by two official government bodies: the Belize Police Department and the national Department of Social Services. The school has pledged full cooperation with both external investigations to support their work.
Consistent with commitments to procedural fairness, the institution noted that due process requires it to follow established legal frameworks designed to ensure fair treatment for all parties involved in the case. All staff and administrators at the college are bound by multiple layers of guiding policy: the Muffles College Faculty Handbook, the GAMAS Code of Conduct and Ethics for Educators and Adults at Belize’s Grant-Aided Schools, and national legislation governing the country’s education sector. Additionally, as a Roman Catholic institution affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy, all staff are required to uphold the religious order’s ethical standards and avoid all immoral and improper conduct.
Closing its statement, Muffles College reaffirmed its commitment to handling the case with the gravity it deserves: “Muffles College will continue to treat this matter with the seriousness it warrants and remains steadfast in its responsibility to protect the welfare of its students.”