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March 27, 2026
March 27, 2026
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty has dismissed an abuse of process application filed by former Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, clearing the way for ongoing fraud and money laundering proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court.
In a ruling delivered on March 19, McGusty found that the criminal charges against Brutus differed in scope, nature and penalty from earlier disciplinary proceedings that led to his dismissal from the Guyana Police Force, and therefore did not amount to an abuse of the court’s process.
Brutus faces 252 counts linked to alleged money laundering, fraud and related financial crimes, stemming from charges instituted in October and November 2024. The matters remain before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The defence had argued that the criminal charges were based on the same facts as prior disciplinary proceedings brought under the Police (Discipline) Act, and should be stayed as an abuse of process. Prosecutors countered that disciplinary and criminal proceedings are legally distinct, noting that administrative sanctions do not preclude subsequent criminal prosecution.
The court agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the defence failed to demonstrate prejudice or oppression, or that continuing the case would undermine the administration of justice.
Separately, on March 26, McGusty ordered that two indictable counts of money laundering against Brutus and his wife, Adonika Aulder, proceed by way of paper committal to the High Court.
The prosecution team includes attorneys David Brathwaite, Darin Chan, Muntaz Ali and Natasha Backer. Brutus is represented by defence attorneys Eusi Anderson, Yuborn Allicock and Earl Daniels, among others.
