A bookkeeper and spouse of a former Stonecrest official accepted a plea deal in federal court Friday afternoon for participating in the same fraud scheme that brought down the city's founding mayor. The DeKalb County District Attorneys Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to bring these bad actors to justice, said DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. A former suburban Atlanta mayor was sentenced to nearly five years in prison on Wednesday for masterminding a scheme to steal nearly $925,000 of the $6.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds that. A Georgia Senator said he was unsurprised to hear about the indictment. 100 people involved in a total of $26 million in CARES Act fraud. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary is asking for a lighter sentence than he faces after pleading guilty to allegedly stealing COVID relief funds awarded to the city during the pandemic. Official websites use .gov Lary asked potential recipients to kickback 25% of their grant to other companies for "marketing" purposes. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. Under the CARES Act, the federal government distributed COVID-19 relief funds to individual Americans, federal agencies, and state and local governments, including $125 million to DeKalb County. Lary was supposed to be in office until the end of 2023. A lock ( Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Like the rest of the country, the residents and businesses of Stonecrest community looked to its government for vital assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The former Mayor of Stonecrest Jason Lary pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing COVID-19 relief funds that were supposed to go to struggling businesses. I should've stayed out for several months, but circumstances prevailed where I needed to come back earlier," Lary said. The FBI will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure stolen relief funds are returned to the public, and individuals involved in this type of fraud are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.. In general, according to the Department of the Treasury, relief funds could only be used to cover costs that [were] necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency. The FBI and prosecutors found that $108,000 of relief funds were used to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary, while another $7,600 was used to pay college tuition and rent for Boones son. Under the CARES Act, the federal government distributed COVID-19 relief funds to individual Americans, federal agencies, and state and local governments, including $125 million to DeKalb County. He also resigned as the citys mayor. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Stonecrest did not disburse the $6 million allocated to the Stonecrest Cares Program and Small Business Program. Ignoring input from the official selection committee, from about November 2020, until about February 2021, Boone signed dozens of checks on behalf of MRPC, directing relief funds to individuals, businesses, churches, and non-profit organizations of Larys own choosing. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. In January, Jason Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. BREAKING: A bookkeeper and spouse of a former Stonecrest official accepted a plea deal in federal court Friday afternoon for participating in the same fraud scheme that brought down the city's. ATLANTA (AP) A former Georgia mayor will serve nearly five years in federal prison after stealing nearly $925,000 in COVID-19 relief funds that his city handed out. Up to $10,000 reward now being offered in finding missing Georgia family man in Baton Rouge, Woman shot near DeKalb gas station; police say person cut her off, pulled out handgun, Forecast | Bright sunshine returns for the weekend, Metro Atlanta, north Georgia hit with widespread damage after storms produce powerful winds, Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID relief funds, Ex-Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges, Stonecrest mayor, who is facing federal charges, says he will resign. Attorneys for the Northern District of Georgia, Former Mayor of Stonecrest sentenced to prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds, https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form, CEO of Atlanta engineering firm pleads guilty to failing to pay payroll taxes, Arizona man pleads guilty to extorting Georgia Tech, Georgia woman charged with stealing over $450,000 in government and retirement benefits, Former Mayor of Stonecrest Sentenced To Prison For Stealing COVID 19 Relief Funds. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. That money was supposed to go to people like us. Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. Lary announced his resignation during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday. Later in December 2020 and January 2021, Clarence Boone coordinated with Lary and Lania Boone to use $108,155.52 of relief funds to pay off the mortgage on Larys lakefront home in Macon, Georgia, and used more than $7,600 of relief funds to pay college tuition, a meal plan, books, and rent for Clarence Boones son. A bookkeeper and spouse of a - DeKalb County News Now | Facebook We have no response about the Mayors resignation, city officials said. Jason Lary, 60, of Stonecrest, Georgia, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Lary is free on bond. Former Mayor of Stonecrest sentenced to prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds ATLANTA - Jason Lary, the former Mayor of the City of Stonecrest, has been sentenced for using his elected office to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds allocated to the city. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia "There was never an interest on anybodys part to kick back or filter money back or any of that nonsense.". Lary and Boone knew the purpose of the transfer was to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". BREAKING: A bookkeeper - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Facebook We will continue to uncover and prosecute those who exploit government positions and COVID relief programs to fuel their own greed., CARES Act funds were intended to help people and businesses harmed by the pandemic, not to line the pockets of public officials entrusted to lead a community, said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. An official website of the United States government. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Former L.A. Councilmember Jose Huizar pleads guilty in corruption case U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. The three conspired to steal and misappropriate relief funds intended for struggling businesses in Stonecrest. The Justice Department on Monday released President Trump's clemency order for longtime GOP operative Roger Stone showing the president not only wiped away Stone's prison sentence but also a . By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. In Larys guilty plea, he admitted to making sure that Boone was hired as Municipal Resource Partners bookkeeper. STONECREST CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO CENSURE MAYOR AFTER IMMATURE PUBLIC REMARKS, "Lary allegedly abused the power and trust conferred on him as Mayor of Stonecrest to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for COVID-19 relief," said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Example video title will go here for this video, Should Be Alive Ep. Briefs: 11Alives news director goes to Gray; Honey Boo Boos boyfriend arrested; Marlon Woman accused of killing ill husband released from jail, Class 7A: Semifinal coverage from Georgia State, DeKalb volunteers to plant 150 trees during March, Decatur hosts second community meeting on March 2, Atlantas Carter Center preps for future without founder, Photography club captures hope during pandemic, March food and drink events to check out in metro Atlanta. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges Candidates must pay a $600 qualifying fee. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of Stonecrest.". In January, Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. He does not have to report to prison until Dec. 15, so he can continue treatment for prostate cancer. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justices National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Former mayor of Stonecrest pleads guilty to federal charges The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was the only news outlet at the hearing. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. The relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. MATTIE'S CALL: A 9-month-old baby girl was reported missing from the Ellenwood area with a man police say was diagnosed with a mental illness. The about-face came in. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Puede participar en nuestro ensayo sobre EPOC? "Quite frankly folks, now its turned ugly," he said during a news conference in April 2021. The details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. His plea came the same morning his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble announced last week she will resign her post once she qualifies to run for mayor, and former District 5 councilwoman Diane Adoma told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution she will run as well. On Wednesday, Channel 2s Tom Jones was in the courtroom as Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. 2021 5 Feb. "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" ( Psalm 118:22 ). SB 300, also called the Sentencing Reform Act, would rewrite part of Proposition 115, a 1990 ballot initiative that expanded the definition of first-degree murder to include murder committed . Stone clemency order shows Trump wiped prison sentence, supervised Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. The population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges, Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges, Stonecrest mayor appeared in federal court about misusing CARES fund. Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID Boone and the former Mayor conspired to fraudulently line each others pockets with relief funds that were desperately needed by struggling businesses in Stonecrest, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. FORMER MAYOR ADMITS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. "The FBI will do everything in our power to make sure stolen funds are returned to the public, and individuals involved in this type of criminal behavior are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.". One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than. His legal team is citing his health and lack of criminal record should merit a lighter sentence. (Art by Richard Miller). Stonecrest residents that Jones talked to were outraged. . Court documents show he was arraigned on the charges after relief funds expected to be allocated to the Stonecrest Cares Program and Small Business Program never made it to the city initiatives. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges | AP News The City Council voted Monday to set the election date, determine qualifying information and formally ask ask the DeKalb County Board of Registrations and Elections to run the election. The first mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year. Suite 600 STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. The discussion comes after the censure of Stonecrest's mayor for comments he made during a meeting. Official websites use .gov The plan also provided $5 million to the COVID-19 CARES Act Small Business Program (Small Business Program). The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. "I came back too early from my second round with cancer. Lary did not disclose he controlled these companies. Former mayor admits role in COVID relief fraud scheme Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds. Lary allegedly had the city improperly enter into a contract with a recently founded nonprofit, Municipal Resource Partners Corporation, to distribute the citys funds as a way to siphon money toward himself and cohorts. The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. Lary did not tell Church 1 at this time that he actually controlled REMC. Inpractice, the Stonecrest Cares Program directed relief funds to churches and non-profit organizations in and around Stonecrest. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. ATLANTA Jason Lary, the former Mayor of the City of Stonecrest, has been sentenced for using his elected office to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds allocated to the city. The application included the question, are you willing to allocate 25% of your grant to marketing your business? Hundreds of businesses applied for relief funds, but most of the applicants were rejected. Stonecrest sets May election date to replace mayor after guilty - ajc Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary on Wednesday pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Andrea V. Watson. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. Former Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty To Federal Fraud Charges Lania Boone received a sentence of six months and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,657.47. Later, in March 2021, after learning of an investigation into the citys handling of relief funds and knowing that the business had never filed paperwork to support the grant, Clarence Boone attempted to conceal the scheme by directing the businesss owner to submit an application that contained false statements, even though the Small Business Program had already ceased operations. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Author: 11alive.com Published: 6:24 PM EST February 11, 2022 Lary resigned a day before he pleaded guilty to concocting a fraud scheme to steal more than $650,000 in federal pandemic relief funds. U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash sentenced Stonecrest ex-mayor Jason Lary to 57 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay nearly $120,000 in restitution. It is extremely disheartening when an elected official, someone sworn to protect the community they serve, violates that oath by stealing relief funds intended to aid their community, said Keri Farley, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta. Credit: Photo courtesy of Boston College Athletics, Former Stonecrest mayors accomplice pleads guilty to felony, Stonecrest councilwoman among candidates running to replace disgraced mayor, Jahmyr Gibbs: Georgia Tech helped make me who I am today, Georgia Tech closes regular season with win over Boston College. Cobbles term is set to expire in 2026, so another special election will be necessary. Former Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty To Federal Fraud Charges The. Hopefully, he gets all of that, Morrell said. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. Father defends terrified family with machete after home intruder breaks through window in middle of night, Paolo Banchero scores 31 points, Magic beat Hornets 117-106. The city will hold a special election on May 24 to fill the rest of the mayor's term after the office was vacated by Jason Lary in January. He's accused of federal fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Lary is due in court to answer for fraud allegations. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. A bookkeeper and spouse - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Facebook "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. Those duties include acting as the figurehead of the city and appointing members to boards and committees. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2022. Former Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary is met by FOX 5 I-Team Reporter Randy Travis as he walks into the federal courthouse in Atlanta to enter a guilty plea to stealing CARES Act money on Jan.. InJuly 2020, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to disburse some of the relief funds to its municipalities, including a $6.2 million grant to Stonecrest. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for Federal prosecutors said that in addition to paying off personal debt, Lary conducted a scheme where he asked small businesses and churches to whom he allocated grants to give 25% of the money to companies connected to himself and co-conspirators. Lania Boone, a bookkeeper Lary hired for one of companies, admitted to helping the former mayor siphon CARES act money for personal use. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen zachary.hansen@ajc.com. First, Lary conspired with Boone to steal relief funds before they were disbursed by MRPC. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. With Lary now 60 years old and with no criminal history, his legal team requested that house arrest, community service and statutory required supervision be considered for his sentence. Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials.
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