former stonecrest mayor's accomplice pleads guilty to felony

Candidates must pay a $600 qualifying fee. The relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. Official websites use .gov On October 28, 2020, for example, Clarence Boone and Lary circumvented the application process and directed more than $50,000 to a business that they knew was not conducting any legitimate operations, and Lania Boone ultimately wrote the check to disburse the funds. 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 government said no marketing was ever done. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal federal pandemic relief funds. The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Those companies were all connected to Lary. Inpractice, the Stonecrest Cares Program directed relief funds to churches and non-profit organizations in and around Stonecrest. The image comes from the ancient quarries where highly-trained stonemasons carefully chose the stones used in construction. 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. The discussion comes after the censure of Stonecrest's mayor for comments he made during a meeting. 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. Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. "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. Stonecrest residents that Jones talked to were outraged. Lary did not tell Church 1 at this time that he actually controlled REMC. We have no response about the Mayors resignation, city officials said. 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. 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. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 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. 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. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call . 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. 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 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. 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Channel 2s Audrey Washington called and emailed Stonecrest officials about the announcement and the hack. A Georgia Senator said he was unsurprised to hear about the indictment. He said he had surgery in late December 2020. 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. For example, Lary used relief funds held by Visit Us to pay for an associates political advertising. In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia "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.". The three conspired to steal and misappropriate relief funds intended for struggling businesses in 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. 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. 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. The qualification period will take place roughly a month before the election date, and it must end 25 days before the election takes place. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges Mayor Jason Lary misused $6.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Boone was the companys bookkeeper and wrote multiple checks to disburse the funds, records show. Wilmot said Lary used some of that stolen money to pay off the $108,147 mortgage on his lakefront home in Macon. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Hardworking people like us, Will Morrell said. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. 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. Jason Lary, who announced his resignation as the mayor of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. As you can tell with technology, it can be immature and ridiculous, and thats fine, Lary said. 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.". 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. Lary placed the defendant, Clarence Boone, who was then Senior Economic Development Manager for Stonecrest, in charge of overseeing the Small Business Program. 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. 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). The last day Stonecrest residents can register to vote in time for the special election is April 25. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. Jason Lary stole more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant to help the. 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 . The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. 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. In or about November 2020, Stonecrest published an application on its website for businesses to apply for relief funds under the Small Business Program. Suite 600 He has not been charged with a crime. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. 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. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. This story is breaking. 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.. The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. Lary resigned a day before he pleaded guilty to concocting a fraud scheme to steal more than $650,000 in federal pandemic relief funds. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Lary, 60, pleaded. Lary and others falsely claimed that the money would be each businesss contribution to Stonecrest-related marketing and advertising. The city of Stonecrest could hold a special election as early as March to decide Larys replacement. He's accused of federal fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. 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. Prosecutors said the 59-year-old former mayor concocted a scheme to divert funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 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. DeKalb County then disbursed $6.2 million of these relief funds to Stonecrest. Both Boone and Lary remain out of jail on bond until their sentencing hearings. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen zachary.hansen@ajc.com. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. 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. As mayor, he took control of who received $6.2 million in CARES Act money. 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. 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. His sentencing is set for May 2. The resolution also adopted a funding plan for most of Stonecrests relief funds. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. Boones case matches the legal process used by Jason Lary, the founding mayor of Stonecrest. Instead, prosecutors said Lary used the money to cover his own tax liabilities and pay off the mortgage on his lake house. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal . 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. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. 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. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. 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. 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 is due in court to answer for fraud allegations. They are purposely seeking to tear down everything I have worked to build in Stonecrest. 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 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. Lary is expected to be sentenced on July 13 at 10 a.m. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. I should've stayed out for several months, but circumstances prevailed where I needed to come back earlier," Lary said. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. Have a question about Government Services? 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. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. "I came back too early from my second round with cancer. That decision will be made at a later date. "He certainly, as alleged by the Grand Jury, used his position as mayor of Stonecrest to divert those funds and used his influence and connections," Erskine said. 2023 FOX Television Stations, resignation went into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. The federal government permitted DeKalb County to further disburse these relief funds to its municipalities. "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.". The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. 2021 5 Feb. "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" ( Psalm 118:22 ). 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 about-face came in. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. 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. He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. Jones tried to get a comment from Larys attorney after court, but he refused to make a statement. 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. Lary was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. Have a question about Government Services? The population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. "You don't recognize Mayor Pro Tem and council and just leave me standing there like I'm not in the meeting. 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. While I was out on cancer leave, they removed me from every committee I created, refused to pay my car allowance, while paying six figures to the finance director and $209,000 annually to the acting city manager (including a car allowance). Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds. That money was supposed to go to people like us. 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 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. 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. Boone, who wrote the bulk of the checks using the stolen funds, agreed with that Friday in court. STONECREST MAYOR JASON LARY RESIGNS DAY BEFORE FEDERAL COURT DATE, FORMER STONECREST MAYOR ADMINS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. FORMER MAYOR ADMITS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. The judge says Larys actions were deplorable and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. Puede participar en nuestro ensayo sobre EPOC? 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. 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. 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. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. He resigned his post on Jan. 4 and accepted a plea deal the next day for concocting the scheme. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. ", 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. In Larys guilty plea, he admitted to making sure that Boone was hired as Municipal Resource Partners bookkeeper.

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