By Belize Live News Staff: Ivan Ayuso, a former Senior Accountant at the National Sports Council (NSC), appeared in Belize City court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of theft and money laundering. Ayuso admitted to stealing over one million dollars from the Government of Belize (GOB) and faces more than five years in prison as part of his plea agreement.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Ayuso’s attorney, representing Darrell Bradley, presented a mitigation plea on his behalf, calling on two character witnesses, including Ayuso’s son and younger brother. Both witnesses portrayed Ayuso as a loving, caring family man and explained the hardship the family has endured throughout this ordeal. They asked the court for leniency in sentencing, emphasizing Ayuso’s two school-aged children who are still dependent on him.
Additionally, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) presented a statement from Patrick Henry, the former Director of the NSC, explaining the financial struggles the Council faced while Ayuso was employed. He revealed that the thefts left the Council in financial distress, with services being interrupted and accounts falling into overdraft due to a lack of funds.
In a further development, the DPP requested an adjournment after revealing that the forfeiture application, which outlines the assets Ayuso may have acquired with the stolen funds, was not completed. These assets are intended to reimburse the government for the money he embezzled.
The court granted the adjournment, and the case is set to resume on October 25th.
