Former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, Roger Stone, leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse after being found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into . (FOX 5). FORMER MAYOR ADMITS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In March 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. He does not have to report to prison until Dec. 15, so he can continue treatment for prostate cancer. Lary is accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant to help the people of Stonecrest who he was supposed to serve. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds In January, Jason Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta twitter feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta instagram feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta youtube feed(Opens a new window), Reality star Honey Boo Boo was inside speeding Dodge Charger involved in chase with Ga. deputies, 49-year-old man shot multiple times during drug deal in northeast Atlanta, police say, A 17-year-old Gwinnett County girl thought she was taking Percocet; now shes dead, Man rescued after being accidentally buried alive in Cherokee County, Our capital city will die: Georgia senators reject proposal to separate Buckhead from Atlanta. 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. The image comes from the ancient quarries where highly-trained stonemasons carefully chose the stones used in construction. Shes the wife of Clarence Boone, the citys former economic development director who was fired as a result of investigations in the citys relief program. In return, prosecutors recommended a lighter sentence of 366 days in confinement half in prison and half as home arrest. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Former mayor of metro Atlanta city pleads guilty to fraud 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. . Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID relief funds 585 views Feb 11, 2022 5 Dislike Share 11Alive 856K subscribers Jason Lary, the former mayor of. Main Office: Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". "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.". Those duties include acting as the figurehead of the city and appointing members to boards and committees. In January 2021, Boone used her access to one of MRPCs bank accounts to wire transfer approximately $108,000 of relief funds to a mortgage servicing company. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. 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. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges, Former mayor of Stonecrest, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID-19 relief funds, LIST: Schools across Georgia closing early ahead of possible severe weather, Gallery of storm damage across GA: Send us your photos, videos, Firefighters rescue Cherokee County man buried up to his neck in trench, Excel Church gives despite recovery from fire, Father and 9-month-old daughter reported missing in Clayton County, 26-year-old woman shot while driving in Decatur, Sign up for Atlanta News First Newsletters. He resigned his post on Jan. 4 and accepted a plea deal the next day for concocting the scheme. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Lary is free on bond. 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. His legal team is citing his health and lack of criminal record should merit a lighter sentence. I let us down, he told the court, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges 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. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. At least two candidates have publicly said theyll run to be the citys next mayor. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges. The judge says Lary's actions were "deplorable" and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. 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. The Stone that the Builders Rejected Became the Cornerstone? The qualification period will take place roughly a month before the election date, and it must end 25 days before the election takes place. Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. As mayor, he took control of who received $6.2 million in CARES Act money. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. His sentencing hearing has been set for May 2. Lary is due in court to answer for fraud allegations. Lary won the mayors race twice, the citys only mayor in its brief history. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. Police searching for suspect in northwestern Georgia elementary school burglary, Dunwoody Police catch man impersonating officer, Ex-officer charged in Susana Morales' death now charged in 2019 Snellville burglary, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Photos show rescue of Woodstock man 'buried up to his neck' in collapsed trench, Clayton County twin sisters make history rising the ranks in Georgia UPS facility, Prominent Roswell restaurant owner charged with sexual crimes involving 2 minors, Families intensify search for two men missing for more than a week, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Police issue close to 100 traffic tickets at same Sandy Springs intersection, Georgia baby girl reported missing with man diagnosed with mental illness, police say, Sheriff's office continues five-year-long search for missing Carrollton man. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for STONECREST, Ga. - A bookkeeper hired by former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to conspiracy for her part in a scheme to steal COVID relief funds. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Suite 600 Mayor Jason Lary and others in the city of Stonecrest is charged with mishandling 650,000 of CARES money meant for the citizens of Stonecrest. Those companies were all connected to Lary. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW 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. 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. Instead Lary worked behind the scenes to form a private company, Municipal Resource Partners Corporation, Inc. (MRPC), recruit its CEO, open its bank accounts, and ensure that Lania Boone, his convicted co-conspirator, would be hired as MRPCs bookkeeper. Former Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty To Federal Fraud Charges In a special-called meeting, members of the Stonecrest City Council voted 4-1 to censure Lary. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie a rarity for a five-member City Council. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. In or about November 2020, Stonecrest published an application on its website for businesses to apply for relief funds under the Small Business Program. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. The city will hold a special election on May 24 to fill the rest of the mayors term after the office was vacated by Jason Lary in January. The plan also provided $5 million to the COVID-19 CARES Act Small Business Program (Small Business Program). Instead, Lary spent the money to pay his own property expenses and his dues to the Georgia Campaign Finance Committee. Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. Jason Lary received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. A former health care executive, Lary was instrumental in convincing the General Assembly to create the city of Stonecrest along I-20 in south DeKalb County. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Lary resigned from his post as a mayor right before filing a guilty plea to the charges, citing health reasons and three battles with cancer. The. Lary faces up to 35 years in prison on all three counts. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. Small businesses that applied for financial relief were asked on an application form if theyd be willing to give 25% of the grant to one of three companies to market their business. Lary asked potential recipients to kickback 25% of their grant to other companies for "marketing" purposes. Then, Lary caused the city to enter a contract with MPRC to disburse the relief funds as directed by Stonecrest. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. And while Lary falsely stated that the $50,000 would be used to assist with home repairs for people who could not afford them due to COVID-19, in reality he used the money for his own purposes, including to pay off his outstanding federal, state, and local tax liabilities. ATLANTA (AP) A suburban Atlanta mayor pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges a day after announcing his resignation from office. The relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. 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 citys founding mayor. accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call . For example, Lary used relief funds held by Visit Us to pay for an associates political advertising. 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Jason Lary, whose resignation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of Public Integrity and Civil Rights, is prosecuting the case. But he was using it for his own personal needs.. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Lary previously denied the accusations of fraud. . Boone, who wrote the bulk of the checks using the stolen funds, agreed with that Friday in court. His sentencing is set for May 2. ATLANTA Former Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary was sentenced to 57 months in prison Wednesday after he stole more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant for the recovery of businesses,. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Boone was the companys bookkeeper and wrote multiple checks to disburse the funds, records show. The government said no marketing was ever done. Official websites use .gov Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges - CBS 46 He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. Lary announced his resignation during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday. Lock 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 . Lary betrayed the trust placed in him by the citizens of Stonecrest by stealing the very funds meant to help his constituents weather the COVID-19 pandemic, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds. Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. 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. Former mayor asks judge if he can serve sentence from home after He also resigned as the citys mayor. 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. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. He then asked the church to give $50,000 back to one of the companies included in the scheme. Lary was supposed to be in office until the end of 2023. Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. "You don't recognize Mayor Pro Tem and council and just leave me standing there like I'm not in the meeting. The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. "I came back too early from my second round with cancer. Lary is expected to be sentenced on July 13 at 10 a.m. Lary did not tell the businesses that he controlled these entities. Lary agreed that he diverted at least $650,000 in relief money by requiring Stonecrest churches and businesses to kick back a portion of their grant money to companies he controlled. The former mayor of Stonecrest who pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges is making a punishment request. Suite 600 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. 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. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of Stonecrest.". 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. "What the mayor said was unacceptable and does not represent city council," said Mayor Pro Tem George Turner. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. 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. Federal authorities brought the mayor of Stonecrest to court alleging he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief granted to the city. He then asked the church to give $50,000 back to one of the companies included in the scheme. This story is breaking. Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of - MSN 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. Jason Lary, whose resignation went into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, pleaded guilty to three counts involving wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Lary, 60, pleaded. Have a question about Government Services? "Instead of providing aid to Stonecrests deserving citizens, Lary allegedly diverted funds for his own use, including to pay off his taxes and the mortgage on his lakefront home.". Stonecrest ex-mayor's cohort pleads guilty in fraud scheme His plea came the same morning his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. Since Larys term was set to expire at the end of 2023, the city charter requires a special election to fill his post. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Lary and Boone knew the purpose of the transfer was to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. A lock ( Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges, Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges, WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta twitter feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta instagram feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta youtube feed(Opens a new window), more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, Reality star Honey Boo Boo was inside speeding Dodge Charger involved in chase with Ga. deputies, 49-year-old man shot multiple times during drug deal in northeast Atlanta, police say, A 17-year-old Gwinnett County girl thought she was taking Percocet; now shes dead, Man rescued after being accidentally buried alive in Cherokee County, Our capital city will die: Georgia senators reject proposal to separate Buckhead from Atlanta. Lary wont be required to report to prison until after Dec. 15, giving him time for more cancer treatments. An official website of the United States government. "The question of compassion to this Honorable Court is what is the appropriate sentenced for the conduct of this Defendant who, when confronted 'fessed up' and avoided costly indictment and made good faith efforts to cooperate with the Government," court documents read. Instead, $108,000 dollars were transferred to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront propertyowned by the former mayor. and were incurred during the period that [began] on March 1, 2020, and [ended] on December 30, 2020. Examples of eligible expenditures were medical expenses, public health expenses, and grants to small businesses to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures. The plan provided $1 million to the Stonecrest Cares Program for mask distribution, COVID-19 education and testing, and other purposes. During a struggle to implement new city manager, Lary said he was facing what could be his third battle with cancer. That money was supposed to go to people like us. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. Stone clemency order shows Trump wiped prison sentence, supervised Last year the Northern District of Georgia US Attorney's office prosecuted at least 100 people involved in a total of $26 million in CARES Act fraud. DeKalb County then disbursed $6.2 million of these relief funds to Stonecrest. 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. STONECREST MAYOR RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF CARES ACT FUNDS MISUSE. Inpractice, the Stonecrest Cares Program directed relief funds to churches and non-profit organizations in and around Stonecrest. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. He declined to say what type of cancer he is battling but said it seems to be resurfacing for the third time. Cobbles term is set to expire in 2026, so another special election will be necessary. Around October 2021, the United States seized approximately $480,000 of fraud proceeds held in the bank accounts of Visit Us and Battleground Media. If the special election for the mayors seat requires a runoff election, it will take place June 21. ATLANTA - The former Mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing COVID-19 relief funds that were supposed to go to struggling businesses. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. Stonecrest's Jason Lary COVID funds fraud case - 11Alive.com All rights reserved. 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. Larys last public address to his constituents delivered one last bombshell moment to his tenure. 100 people involved in a total of $26 million in CARES Act fraud. Former mayor of Stonecrest pleads guilty to federal charges 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.
Fun Quiz For Employees Working From Home,
Is Glycogen A Reducing Sugar,
Mike Bubbins Rugby Career,
Who Is Beau Of The Fifth Column Wife,
United Convert Future Flight Credit To Travel Certificate,
Articles F