In a significant legal development in Belize, legal representatives for convicted educator Alex Jason Noralez are pursuing judicial intervention to delay his prison sentence. The 47-year-old San Pedro teacher, recently found guilty on two counts of sexual assault against minor students, has engaged prominent defense attorney Richard ‘Dickie’ Bradley to file for both a stay of execution and bail pending appeal.
The case stems from January’s verdict where Noralez received two concurrent 18-month prison terms after being convicted of assaults involving two second-form high school students. The court acquitted him on a separate charge concerning a first-form student. Despite the conviction, Noralez maintains his innocence, asserting that physical interactions with students were non-sexual in nature.
Bradley’s legal submission emphasizes constitutional appeal rights and cites strong prospects for overturning the conviction. The application further references undisclosed health concerns affecting the defendant. The prosecution, represented by a Sergeant Police Prosecutor, contested the stay application during today’s proceedings.
The hearing occurred under unusual circumstances as Chief Magistrate’s orders closed the courtroom to media and public observers. The one-hour session concluded without immediate resolution, with the magistrate reserving judgment until March 24, 2026. This timeline allows for comprehensive review of arguments from both defense and prosecution regarding both the stay and bail considerations.
Noralez, whose teaching career spans over twenty years without prior sexual offense convictions, was previously represented by Attorney Ronell Gonzalez during trial proceedings. The case has drawn attention to educational institution safeguards and legal protections for both accused educators and student victims.