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That decision will be made at a later date. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. February 21, 2022 Chris Butler. Lary did not tell the businesses that he controlled these entities. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of Stonecrest.". 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. 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. Stonecrest mayor appeared in federal court about misusing CARES fund 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. 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. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. The relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. Lania Boone, Larys co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 11, 2022. In Larys guilty plea, he admitted to making sure that Boone was hired as Municipal Resource Partners bookkeeper. Lary faces up to 35 years in prison on all three counts. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS ATLANTA - Jason Lary, the former mayor of Stonecrest, and Lania Boone, a bookkeeper for the entity that administered COVID-19 relief funds awarded to Stonecrest, have pleaded guilty to. Lary did not tell Church 1 at this time that he actually controlled REMC. 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. His sentencing hearing has been set for May 2. Have a question about Government Services? She also agreed to pay restitution. Main Office: For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. Credit: Photo courtesy of Boston College Athletics, Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges, Stonecrest passes on March election date to replace mayor after guilty fraud plea, Jahmyr Gibbs: Georgia Tech helped make me who I am today, Georgia Tech closes regular season with win over Boston College. Suite 600 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. 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. As another example, Lary presented a check from MRPC for $50,000 to Church 2. Later, a person acting on Larys behalf told Church 2 to contribute $4,500 of the relief funds to REMC, purportedly for rent assistance. I will show you my hairy behind next time it happens and that's the only warning I'm going to give with this.". 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 did not disburse the $6 million allocated to the Stonecrest Cares Program and Small Business Program. Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. 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. "What the mayor said was unacceptable and does not represent city council," said Mayor Pro Tem George Turner. I let us down, he told the court, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The plan provided $1 million to the Stonecrest Cares Program for mask distribution, COVID-19 education and testing, and other purposes. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. The plan also provided $5 million to the COVID-19 CARES Act Small Business Program (Small Business Program). 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. Lary asked potential recipients to kickback 25% of their grant to other companies for "marketing" purposes. Lary resigned a day before he pleaded guilty to. 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, churches and the people of the city. 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. Former Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty To Federal Fraud Charges 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 coconspirators previously pleaded guilty and received the following sentences: This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office. 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. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. "You don't recognize Mayor Pro Tem and council and just leave me standing there like I'm not in the meeting. 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. 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. 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. He's accused of federal fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. Check back for details. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. "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.". Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. Stonecrest sets May election date to replace mayor after guilty - ajc The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was the only news outlet at the hearing. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. Former Mayor of Stonecrest sentenced to prison for stealing COVID-19 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A bookkeeper and spouse - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Facebook Lock 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 Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Lania Boone, a bookkeeper Lary hired for one of companies, admitted to helping the former mayor siphon CARES act money for personal use. However, federal authorities said Lary worked behind the scenes with an organization known as Municipal Resource Partners Corporation, Inc. ("MRPC") to disburse the relief funds. 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. 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 . She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2022. ATLANTA - Clarence Boone, the former Senior Economic Development Manager of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty to conspiring with his wife, Lania Boone, and the former Mayor of Stonecrest, Jason Lary, to steal pandemic relief funds intended to support small businesses in Stonecrest. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. 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. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. Former Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary pleads guilty to federal - WAGA ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. This man's imprisonment shows why California's 'special circumstances The qualification period will take place roughly a month before the election date, and it must end 25 days before the election takes place. If the special election for the mayors seat requires a runoff election, it will take place June 21. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. 2023 Cox Media Group. In or about November 2020, Stonecrest published an application on its website for businesses to apply for relief funds under the Small Business Program. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. 2023 FOX Television Stations, resignation went into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief. Lary announced his resignation during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday. 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. Andrea V. Watson. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 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. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. He said he had surgery in late December 2020. 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 of being a trustworthy steward of CARES Act funding, Clarence Boone and his co-conspirators schemed to misappropriate those funds to enrich themselves at the expense of those less fortunate. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. 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. Former Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and his former bookkeeper have pleaded guilty to charges related to allegedly stealing COVID relief funds awarded to Stonecrest during the pandemic,. The discussion comes after the censure of Stonecrest's mayor for comments he made during a meeting. The about-face came in. Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case. 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.. Channel 2s Audrey Washington called and emailed Stonecrest officials about the announcement and the hack. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. At least two candidates have publicly said theyll run to be the citys next mayor. Stonecrest could hold a special election to fill the vacant mayor's seat as early as March. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. The judge says Larys actions were deplorable and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. They are purposely seeking to tear down everything I have worked to build in Stonecrest. He resigned his post on Jan. 4 and accepted a plea deal the next day for concocting the scheme. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. In a special-called meeting, members of the Stonecrest City Council voted 4-1 to censure Lary. Lary, 60, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft. 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. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. 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. But he was using it for his own personal needs.. The city's first mayor did not mention his legal troubles in a resignation speech. Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. In one case, federal investigators alleged that Lary gave a church $150,000 under the condition that they would give a third of the money to a company called Real Estate Management Consultants LLC, which Lary controlled. 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. "If you don't know protocol, you better learn it with me," said Lary. Lary and others falsely claimed that the money would be each businesss contribution to Stonecrest-related marketing and advertising. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. His legal team is citing his health and lack of criminal record should merit a lighter sentence. (FOX 5). 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 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, U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan said. Cobbles term is set to expire in 2026, so another special election will be necessary. 2023 Cox Media Group. His sentencing is set for May 2. As you can tell with technology, it can be immature and ridiculous, and thats fine, Lary said. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. The phrase is quoted by Jesus, who applies it to his mission of death and glory, after having told the . Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. Yet Lary and others asked that these contributions be given not to Stonecrest, but to entities called Visit Us, Inc. and Battleground Media, LLC. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. 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. During a struggle to implement new city manager, Lary said he was facing what could be his third battle with cancer. I should've stayed out for several months, but circumstances prevailed where I needed to come back earlier," Lary said. We have no response about the Mayors resignation, city officials said. 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 city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing relief funds. 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. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. ", 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. 5, 2022. ATLANTA - Clarence Boone, the former Senior Economic Development Manager of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty to conspiring with his wife, Lania Boone, and the former Mayor of Stonecrest, Jason Lary, to steal pandemic relief funds intended to support small businesses in Stonecrest. The church was then told to contribute $4,500 to REMC, which officials say the mayor used to pay his own property expenses and dues. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. The judge says Lary's actions were "deplorable" and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Have a question about Government Services? Hopefully, he gets all of that, Morrell said. 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. The people of Stonecrest deserved better, and corrupt officials can expect severe consequences for using their offices to commit crimes.. "Quite frankly folks, now its turned ugly," he said during a news conference in April 2021. 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges. 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. "I did the best I could do with what we had in place.". 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. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen zachary.hansen@ajc.com. 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. 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. 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. 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Those companies were all connected to Lary. Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Georgia COVID-19 Relief His resignation went into effect Wednesday. The federal government permitted DeKalb County to further disburse these relief funds to its municipalities. First, Lary conspired with Boone to steal relief funds before they were disbursed by MRPC. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of Public Integrity and Civil Rights, is prosecuting the case. 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. He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. Lary was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call Tuesday.. Former mayor of metro Atlanta city pleads guilty to fraud Former mayor of Stonecrest pleads guilty to federal charges 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 . Earlier this year, Lary pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, conspiracy and federal program theft for his role in stealing more than $650,000. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW His plea came the same morning his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Until a new mayor is elected, the mayors responsibilities will be handled by the mayor pro tem. For example, Lary presented a check for $150,000 in relief funds to Church 1, on the condition that $50,000 be given to a company called Real Estate Management Consultants, LLC (REMC). A Georgia Senator said he was unsurprised to hear about the indictment. Since Larys term was set to expire at the end of 2023, the city charter requires a special election to fill his post. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges

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