Hello everyone-
I told you I'd put out another blog for the night, and this one is based on an event that happened within the last week, here in San Pedro.
On the 18 October, Ricardo Caveras, a local "businessman" was arrested. There are many different articles that have basically the same information (cited below). Mr. Caveras allegedly ripped off a lot of money from people in the States, Panama, Costa Rica, and here in Belize. He's had a number of different aliases, and the list of charges he's acquired keep coming. Some of which are: "Outstanding arrest warrants in the United States for parole violation, security fraud and other fraud related cases under the name of Richard D. Cover Jr." According to the other online websites, he's also had the other aliases, another one being: R.J. Erwin. In addition, he had a wife and child in San Pedro, as well as another wife and children that he abandoned in the States.
It seems as if from all the research and personal horror stories I've read, "R.J." (the name he used on the island) is a SOCIOPATH! (Categorized within Antisocial Personality Disorder)
What is a sociopath?
- "Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others." (dictionary.com)
- "Sociopaths most readily defined by an inability to connect with the emotions of others. They are happy to exploit those around them when the situation suits them. Sociopaths are difficult to treat because they rarely admit that they have a problem. Part of their condition entails rationalizing their behavior away, they often lie quite readily, and can be very convincing when they do. This makes them difficult to spot at times, even to trained professionals" (ehow.com)
Traits of a sociopath:
- Glibness and Superficial Charm
- Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
- Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
- Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
- Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
- Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
- Incapacity for Love
- Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
- Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
- Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
- Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
- Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
- Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
- Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
- Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
How can you identify/avoid sociopaths?
Recognizing a sociopath is not as easy as it may seem, despite the clear criteria provided by the DSMR-IV for diagnosis. Sociopaths can be very convincing and charming at first, especially at the beginning of relationships. A history of poor relationships, problems with the law, and excessive lying are just a few red flags to watch out for at the beginning. A lack of remorse, when noticed in a possible sociopath, is often a warning sign. It is nearly impossible to have a normal relationship with a sociopath, and in some cases, being involved with a sociopath can be dangerous. Their lack of regard for the welfare of others and typical lack of conscience can make sociopaths dangerous (
associatedcontent.com)
Unfortunately, if you encounter a sociopath, you probably wouldn't even know it. This has been the case for many victims in this particular instance. It is essential that you know and understand your own weaknesses, and try to be more cautious of trusting individuals.
I personally feel that the "negative Karma points" "R.J" has earned will be coming back around. I feel empathy for all the victims, and am glad that he is finally in custody so he cannot rip off any more of my friends... good, trusting, HONEST people.
Anastasia
Always remember: "Treat others as you'd want to be treated"
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