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In return, prosecutors recommended a lighter sentence of 366 days in confinement half in prison and half as home arrest. Lania Boone, a bookkeeper Lary hired for one of companies, admitted to helping the former mayor siphon CARES act money for personal use. Those duties include acting as the figurehead of the city and appointing members to boards and committees. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. 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. Andrea V. Watson. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. I will show you my hairy behind next time it happens and that's the only warning I'm going to give with this.". 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. I let us down, he told the court, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 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. 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. 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. The phrase is quoted by Jesus, who applies it to his mission of death and glory, after having told the . Lary and others falsely claimed that the money would be each businesss contribution to Stonecrest-related marketing and advertising. 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. 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 population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. Lary is due in court to answer for fraud allegations. They are purposely seeking to tear down everything I have worked to build in Stonecrest. An official website of the United States government. 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. Main Office: The former mayor of Stonecrest and a bookkeeper who administered COVID-19 relief funds to the town pleaded guilty in federal court this month to charges related to the theft of pandemic relief funds. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. 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. 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. His sentencing hearing has been set for May 2. 2023 FOX Television Stations. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. 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. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. For example, Lary used relief funds held by Visit Us to pay for an associates political advertising. Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call . 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. The people of Stonecrest deserved better, and corrupt officials can expect severe consequences for using their offices to commit crimes., 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. 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. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal federal pandemic relief funds. 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. An official website of the United States government. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia Clarence Boone, 60, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program theft and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2023. "Mr. Lary has serious health challenges and at age 60 the Defendant finds himself facing a legacy of criminal history that is and was 'money motivated,' and not violence or physical harm to others, nor drug related," his legal team writes in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Instead, Lary spent the money to pay his own property expenses and his dues to the Georgia Campaign Finance Committee. Per federal rules, Stonecrest officials could only spend these relief funds on necessary expenditures related to . But he was using it for his own personal needs.. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". 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. City leaders have not chosen a specific location for the special election to be held. 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. His sentencing is set for May 2. As you can tell with technology, it can be immature and ridiculous, and thats fine, Lary said. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. 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. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. 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, officials said. "I came back too early from my second round with cancer. The image comes from the ancient quarries where highly-trained stonemasons carefully chose the stones used in construction. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. 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. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Those companies were all connected to Lary. The people of Stonecrest deserved better, and corrupt officials can expect severe consequences for using their offices to commit crimes.. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of Public Integrity and Civil Rights, is prosecuting the case. 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. 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. 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. In Larys guilty plea, he admitted to making sure that Boone was hired as Municipal Resource Partners bookkeeper. This article originally appeared on the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, SoCal in for cool start to weekend, butlight showers make brief return. "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. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. 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. 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. Instead, prosecutors said Lary used the money to cover his own tax liabilities and pay off the mortgage on his lake house. Lary and Boone knew the purpose of the transfer was to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary. 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. 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. Cobbles term is set to expire in 2026, so another special election will be necessary. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. 2: Person of Interest. 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. 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. Lary is expected to be sentenced on July 13 at 10 a.m. "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.". Channel 2s Audrey Washington called and emailed Stonecrest officials about the announcement and the hack. In court on Wednesday, Lary apologized to his family, friends and Stonecrest residents. 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. Lary did not disclose he controlled these companies. 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. 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. The former mayor of Stonecrest who pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges is making a punishment request. Candidates must pay a $600 qualifying fee. Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar pleaded guilty Friday to charges of racketeering and tax evasion, admitting that he extorted at least $1.5 million in bribes from real estate . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges Mayor Jason Lary misused $6.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Lania Boone, Larys co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 11, 2022. accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. Lary continued with the meeting after an IT tech fixed the problem. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. 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. Jason Lary, the former mayor of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty, according to a news release. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. The relief funds were designed to cover costs during the public health emergency. 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. Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. The censure stemmed from remarks Mayor Lary made at the end of a council meeting on Sept. 27. The first mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year. Lary, 59, was the first mayor of Stonecrest, a DeKalb County city of about . The three conspired to steal and misappropriate relief funds intended for struggling businesses in Stonecrest. 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,. She also agreed to pay restitution. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Stonecrest received $6.2 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, and the two are accused of taking some of the funds for themselves. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than. 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. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. The details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. The last day Stonecrest residents can register to vote in time for the special election is April 25. That decision will be made at a later date. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. 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. "Larys guilty plea was the first in righting the wrongs committed against the people of Stonecrest, who were wrongfully deprived of hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to provide COVID-19 relief," said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. Lary was also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution as well. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. 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. 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. Jason Lary stole more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant to help the. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of Stonecrest.". Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing relief funds. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. (FOX 5). Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Check back for details. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. 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. That money was supposed to go to people like us. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. 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. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW 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. He said he had surgery in late December 2020. Wilmot said Lary used some of that stolen money to pay off the $108,147 mortgage on his lakefront home in Macon. The plan also provided $5 million to the COVID-19 CARES Act Small Business Program (Small Business Program). It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. 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, 60, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft. Lock He explained he needs to take some time to work with doctors and care for himself. 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. Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. The about-face came in. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Lary was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. Author: 11alive.com Published: 6:24 PM EST February 11, 2022 Example video title will go here for this video, Should Be Alive Ep. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. A locked padlock The resolution also adopted a funding plan for most of Stonecrests relief funds. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was the only news outlet at the hearing. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. Since Larys term was set to expire at the end of 2023, the city charter requires a special election to fill his post. As mayor, he took control of who received $6.2 million in CARES Act money. Then, Lary caused the city to enter a contract with MPRC to disburse the relief funds as directed by Stonecrest. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. 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. Lary won the mayors race twice, the citys only mayor in its brief history. Lary wont be required to report to prison until after Dec. 15, giving him time for more cancer treatments. He declined to say what type of cancer he is battling but said it seems to be resurfacing for the third time. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen zachary.hansen@ajc.com. Lary was supposed to be in office until the end of 2023. 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.. 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. Lary is free on bond. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Second, Lary told churches that received relief funds from the Stonecrest Cares Program that they were required to contribute a portion of those funds for purposes identified by Lary. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. Around the same time, Lary directed approximately $7,600 in stolen relief funds to be used for Boones sons college tuition and rent. 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. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. 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. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. 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. Official websites use .gov 2021 5 Feb. "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" ( Psalm 118:22 ). The city's first mayor did not mention his legal troubles in a resignation speech. "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 Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. 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.