LCW Investments, LLC v. Beltway Investment Group, Inc.
2:24-cv-01428
D. Nev.Jun 18, 2025Background
- LCW Investments LLC sought to enforce a money judgment, obtained from the Belize Court of Appeal, against Beltway Investment Group, Inc. in Nevada.
- The dispute arose from a failed real estate deal in Belize where LCW paid $788,709 but did not receive the property title.
- The Belize High Court originally awarded LCW a judgment only against Green Development Partners, Ltd., while dismissing claims against Beltway and Clifford.
- On appeal, the Belize Court of Appeal entered judgment jointly and severally against Clifford, Green, and Beltway.
- Clifford and Beltway filed for leave to appeal this decision to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), and that appeal is pending.
- LCW simultaneously pursued recognition of the Belize judgment in Maine federal court, which dismissed the action for lack of finality due to the pending appeal.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the Belize Court of Appeal judgment is final and thus enforceable under Nevada's Uniform Act | The Belize judgment is final and enforceable despite pending appeal to CCJ | The judgment is not final while the CCJ appeal is pending | Judgment is not final; Uniform Act not applicable |
| Should the court recognize and enforce the Belize judgment in Nevada | Recognition mandatory since pending appeals are not a statutory exception | Nonrecognition warranted due to lack of finality and public policy issues | Recognition denied; case dismissed |
| Whether staying the case pending appeal is appropriate | A stay is unnecessary and should be denied | Case should be stayed pending CCJ decision | Stay motion denied as moot |
| Whether supplementary filings and judicial notice should be allowed | (No opposition) | Requests judicial notice of Maine case and to supplement dismissal motion | Granted in part |
Key Cases Cited
- Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544 (2007) (setting the plausibility standard for pleadings under Rule 12(b)(6))
- Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662 (2009) (elaborating on the Twombly pleading standard for federal civil cases)
- Foman v. Davis, 371 U.S. 178 (1962) (articulating standards for granting leave to amend pleadings)
- Hilton v. Guyot, 159 U.S. 113 (1895) (standards for judicial notice and recognition of foreign judgments)