Delays Continue in Sentencing and Forfeiture Case for Former Accountant Ivan Ayuso

Tonight, former Senior Accountant Ivan Ayuso remains in legal limbo as his sentencing and forfeiture case continues to face delays. Ayuso, who pleaded guilty to theft and money laundering charges involving over one million dollars, appeared in court, to learn that the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal, would be requesting another adjournment. The DPP requested more time to respond to an application filed by Ayuso’s estranged wife, Tanya Savery. Savery is seeking to protect her interest in their shared home, which the Crown aims to seize as proceeds of crime. Justice Nigel Pilgrim granted the adjournment, giving the DPP until November 29 to submit her response. The matter will be called up again on December 13. Ayuso’s legal troubles date back to 2018 when he was accused of embezzling one million, forty-nine thousand, nine-hundred and ninety-seven dollars while employed at the Belize Sports Council. On September 27, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft and three counts of money laundering under a plea deal. The plea agreement spared Ayuso a full trial and a potential 14-year sentence. However, it also precludes him from challenging any forfeiture applications. Ayuso’s bail of $300,000, granted in 2021, was revoked upon his guilty plea, and he has been remanded in custody since then. Justice Pilgrim has expressed a desire to resolve both the criminal sentencing and forfeiture applications simultaneously to bring closure to the case. However, delays have plagued the process, with today marking the fifth adjournment since Ayuso’s guilty plea. At the heart of the forfeiture proceedings is Ayuso and Savery’s jointly owned home. Savery has filed for divorce and argues that her 50 percent share, as determined by a matrimonial court order, should not be affected. The DPP, however, contends that the property was purchased using illicit funds and disputes the 50 percent claim, arguing Savery owns only 30 percent. Ayuso, visibly distressed, was joined in court by his wife, brother, and other family members. Representing the Crown is DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, with Darrell Bradley serving as Ayuso’s attorney, though another attorney stood in for him today. As Ayuso awaits the resolution of his case, both he and his legal team are eager to move past the ongoing delays, while the Crown seeks to finalize the forfeiture of the disputed property. ////