Messado Files For Bankruptcy, Frustrates Mavado’s Attempt To Reclaim $30 Million

Jennifer Messado has filed for bankruptcy, a move that could frustrate Dancehall artist Mavado’s attempts to reclaim all of the $30 million owed to him by the embattled, now-disbarred attorney-at-law.

This new wrinkle was revealed today when Messado’s attorney, Lemar Neale, represented her in the civil case which went to court for judgment. The matter was postponed until July 22.

“Even though she (Messado) has filed for bankruptcy, there are still settlement talks going on,” attorney-at-law Christopher Townsend, who represents Messado in criminal matters, told DancehallMag.

Bankruptcy prevents interest from accruing on debts after the date of the Absolute Order and any Interest due on debts is capped at 6% (conditions apply). Creditors whose claims are admitted are assured of payment once funds are available for distribution from the estate of the Bankrupt. A person may be made Bankrupt in two ways. A creditor who has already obtained a final Judgment and served his debtor with a Bankruptcy Notice but has not recovered may file a Petition for the debtor to be declared bankrupt.

At the end of March, Mavado vented on social media about the slow pace of his case against now-disbarred real estate attorney Jennifer Messado, who was allegedly given $30.7 million several years ago by Mavado’s lawyer for a property transaction. The artist is yet to receive the property, nor has all his money been returned.

At the time, Mavado ranted: “Every time she goes to court she goes home. Two years ago she and the court system tried to turn my money into a loan of 150k per month payback (over 20 years to collect) from a 75 year old 🤔. Plse Remember I didn’t lend her my money she scammed it. A couple days ago she got an opportunity to write an affidavit to the court saying she has no money to pay and the reason she should not go to jail. I remember going to this lady office for the first time, finding out she is a criminal she blatantly told me in front her lawyer there is nothing I can do about my money and she knows who to call.”

In 2018, Mavado received a sum of $8 million from Messado as part of a total sum of $30.7 million owed to him, according to Loop News.

Messado allegedly collected the $30 million for a property in Grosvenor Terrace in Kingston 8. It was later revealed by the owner that he did not give her permission to sell the property.

According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Messado is facing nearly a dozen fraud and money laundering-related charges in four separate cases. Investigators believe she used forged documents to sell a number of properties valued at millions of dollars.

“The criminal matter has to do with allegations of fraudulent conversion, and that will be heard in court on July 29,” the legal luminary explained.

In March, the Not Perfect singer called on the DPP to help him and others who he believed have suffered the loss of money to get justice.

“If I didn’t threaten to go social media she wouldn’t have been charged in the first place.. they charged her then for someone else money that was fighting years before me. Then they charged her for my money, and several others after! What is DPP Doing about this aristocratic Scammer or is because of who she’s knows n where she’s from and her power she pulls in the System. I’m Waiting to see on May 19, 2021 what this Judge is doing about my MONEY.”

Now that she has filed for bankruptcy, what are Mavado’s options?

Well, the colonial Debtors Act of 1872 still allows Jamaicans to be thrown in jail if unable to honour their debts.

According to the Court Administration Division, three Jamaican men were spending time in debtors’ jail because they are unable to find money borrowed from individuals. They owed $66,017.40; $585,000; and $705,017.30, respectively, according to the document.

The debtors are held at the main police stations in the capital of the relevant parishes. In general, they are kept at the nearest lock-up to their homes.