Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2024. 7:25 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: In a case involving over a million dollars embezzled from the Belizean government, the sentencing of Ivan Ayuso, a senior accountant at the National Sports Council, has been postponed. Ayuso, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft and three counts of money laundering, is facing a maximum sentence of five years under a plea bargain with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Today, Justice Nigel Pilgrim granted an adjournment to the DPP to gather documents for the forfeiture of Ayuso’s only known asset—his home—which will be handed over to the government. The new hearing is scheduled for October 25, 2024.
Despite the delay in sentencing, Ayuso appeared in court with his family in attendance, including his son Adrian, who made an emotional plea for leniency. Adrian described his father as a caring family man, deeply involved in his children’s upbringing, and expressed regret on behalf of his family for the crime.
Ayuso admitted to embezzling $1,040,997.67 from the National Sports Council between 2013 and 2016. His scheme involved paying himself double the salary he was entitled to, contributing to the financial depletion of the Council, which resulted in the deterioration of sports facilities and halted programs.
Justice Pilgrim emphasized that he aims to conclude the matter in one session before sentencing Ayuso.
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The post Ivan Ayuso’s sentencing delayed in case of million dollar embezzlement from Sports Council appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2024. 7:25 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: In a case involving over a million dollars embezzled from the Belizean government,
The post Ivan Ayuso’s sentencing delayed in case of million dollar embezzlement from Sports Council appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
