Mary Holden Ayala, Theft, Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, Oregon 2024

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury found Mary Holden Ayala, 59, of Portland, guilty today of stealing nearly $1 million from an Oregon foster care agency, money laundering and filing false personal income tax returns.

From at least 2008 to 2015, Ayala, a longtime Portland resident, served as the President, Executive Director and primary agent of Give Us This Day (GUTD), a private foster care agency and residential program for youth.

“Children in foster care rely heavily on the agency to which they are entrusted and these agencies are responsible for protecting and caring for them. Mary Holden Ayala grossly neglected her duties and selfishly stole from children in need,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This prosecution demonstrates our firm commitment to protecting the integrity of federally-funded social service programs.”

“Abuse, drug addiction and violent crime can force children into a foster care system that is supposed to give them a second chance at a better life. One person's greed can corrupt that system, though, leading to victimization of these vulnerable kids. Help stop such victimization and strengthen important institutions by reporting public corruption when you see it,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

“Mary Ayala’s theft of nearly $1 million was nothing short of stealing food and shelter from the most vulnerable of our population,” said Troy Burrus, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Seattle Field Office. “Instead of ensuring the children entrusted to her care were properly clothed and fed, Ayala used the money for luxury home renovations, a pilot for a reality show, extensive travel to luxury resorts, music recording studio, luxury shoes and purses. Her final act of contempt was to attempt to hide the stolen money by filing federal tax returns without declaring the stolen funds.”

“Ms. Ayala’s crimes are disturbing: she embezzled money meant to assist foster care children and their families,” said Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to investigate such greed-fueled fraud schemes.”

Ayala used the money stolen from GUTD to pay her mortgage, remodel her home and fund other retail, travel and transportation expenses. Additionally, she used the money to fund other, non-GUTD business ventures including a media company and Big Mary’s, a fish and ribs restaurant in Portland, and to purchase and flip a commercial property.

In total, Ayala stole nearly $1 million from GUTD. As a result, her employees, foster parents and foster children in GUTD’s care suffered tremendously. GUTD residential center and house managers complained about a lack of basic necessities, including but not limited to food, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

Defendant: Mary Holden Ayala, 59, of Portland

Criminal Charges: Theft, Money Laundering and Tax Evasion

City and State: PORTLAND, ORE

Date: PORTLAND, Ore.

Sentence or Outcome: Guilty Verdict

Dollar Amounts: Stealing nearly $1 million

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/jury-convicts-former-president-oregon-foster-care-agency-theft-money-laundering-and-tax