Lary placed the defendant, Clarence Boone, who was then Senior Economic Development Manager for Stonecrest, in charge of overseeing the Small Business Program. 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. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. He said he had surgery in late December 2020. The population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. 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). He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. 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). For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Prosecutors said the 59-year-old former mayor concocted a scheme to divert funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In September 2020, Jason Lary, the former Mayor of Stonecrest, allocated $5 million of the relief funds to a Small Business Program which would disburse relief funds based on applications submitted by local businesses. He then asked the church to give $50,000 back to one of the companies included in the scheme. 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. . "You don't recognize Mayor Pro Tem and council and just leave me standing there like I'm not in the meeting. Lary faces up to 35 years in prison on all three counts. Those companies were all connected to Lary. 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. . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. 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. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 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. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. Official websites use .gov The city's first mayor did not mention his legal troubles in a resignation speech. "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. He does not have to report to prison until Dec. 15, so he can continue treatment for prostate cancer. Check back for details. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. Lary continued with the meeting after an IT tech fixed the problem. In September 2020, Jason Lary, then the Mayor of Stonecrest, signed a resolution acknowledging these CARES Act requirements. 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. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. All rights reserved. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia FORMER MAYOR ADMITS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. 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 . Stonecrest did not disburse the $6 million allocated to the Stonecrest Cares Program and Small Business Program. 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. 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. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. 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. Later, in March 2021, after learning of an investigation into the citys handling of relief funds and knowing that the business had never filed paperwork to support the grant, Clarence Boone attempted to conceal the scheme by directing the businesss owner to submit an application that contained false statements, even though the Small Business Program had already ceased operations. Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing relief funds. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. "There was never an interest on anybodys part to kick back or filter money back or any of that nonsense.". 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. 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. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Wilmot previously prosecuted the case. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. 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. "I came back too early from my second round with cancer. Lary, 59, was the first mayor of Stonecrest, a DeKalb County city of about . 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. Hopefully, he gets all of that, Morrell said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. Lary is expected to be sentenced on July 13 at 10 a.m. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. 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. Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. The government said no marketing was ever done. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie a rarity for a five-member City Council. 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 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. The resolution also adopted a funding plan for most of Stonecrests relief funds. Lary was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. 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.. 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.. He also resigned as the citys mayor. Per federal rules, Stonecrest officials could only spend these relief funds on necessary expenditures related to . The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. City leaders have not chosen a specific location for the special election to be held. 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. He declined to say what type of cancer he is battling but said it seems to be resurfacing for the third time. Main Office: He has not been charged with a crime. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. Suite 600 Both Boone and Lary remain out of jail on bond until their sentencing hearings. 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. 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. That money was supposed to go to people like us. 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. 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. 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. Jones tried to get a comment from Larys attorney after court, but he refused to make a statement. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". Larys last public address to his constituents delivered one last bombshell moment to his tenure. "If you don't know protocol, you better learn it with me," said Lary. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of Public Integrity and Civil Rights, is prosecuting the case. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. 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. Hardworking people like us, Will Morrell said. 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 details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. 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. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. 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 used three different methods to steal the funds Stonecrest disbursed to MRPC. A Georgia Senator said he was unsurprised to hear about the indictment. Lary was also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution as well. "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. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. His sentencing is set for May 2. Yet Lary and others asked that these contributions be given not to Stonecrest, but to entities called Visit Us, Inc. and Battleground Media, LLC. Jason Lary, the former mayor of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty, according to a news release. "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.". accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. ", 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. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW 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. An official website of the United States government. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. No stone was more important than the cornerstone because the integrity of the whole structure depended on the cornerstone containing . 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. (FOX 5). The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. . "Boones guilty plea further demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who seek to exploit COVID relief programs for their own gain. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. Have a question about Government Services? Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 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. 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.

What Is The Basis For Most Team Conflicts?, New Parole Laws In Illinois 2022, D'errico's Market Leominster, Accidental Arterial Puncture During Venipuncture, East Brighton Park Covid Testing Opening Times, Articles F