former stonecrest mayor's accomplice pleads guilty to felony
Lary continued with the meeting after an IT tech fixed the problem. 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. 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 directed $7,600 of the federal relief dollars to pay Boones sons college tuition and rent. 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. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie a rarity for a five-member City Council. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. 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. He said he had surgery in late December 2020. "Boones guilty plea further demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who seek to exploit COVID relief programs for their own gain. Have a question about Government Services? Example video title will go here for this video, Should Be Alive Ep. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Yet Lary and others asked that these contributions be given not to Stonecrest, but to entities called Visit Us, Inc. and Battleground Media, LLC. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. 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. 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. Larys last public address to his constituents delivered one last bombshell moment to his tenure. Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of 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,. 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 resigned his post on Jan. 4 and accepted a plea deal the next day for concocting the scheme. Per federal rules, Stonecrest officials could only spend these relief funds on necessary expenditures related to . Around the same time, Lary directed approximately $7,600 in stolen relief funds to be used for Boones sons college tuition and rent. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. 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. "I did the best I could do with what we had in place.". ATLANTA - After spending nearly a year proclaiming his innocence, former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary admitted masterminding a scheme to steal COVID relief funds. Both Boone and Lary remain out of jail on bond until their sentencing hearings. Lary, 60, pleaded. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. All rights reserved. City leaders have not chosen a specific location for the special election to be held. 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. In total, businesses were defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars of relief funds. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. 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. 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. 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. The last day Stonecrest residents can register to vote in time for the special election is April 25. Lary wont be required to report to prison until after Dec. 15, giving him time for more cancer treatments. I let us down, he told the court, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Police searching for suspect in northwestern Georgia elementary school burglary, Dunwoody Police catch man impersonating officer, Ex-officer charged in Susana Morales' death now charged in 2019 Snellville burglary, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Photos show rescue of Woodstock man 'buried up to his neck' in collapsed trench, Prominent Roswell restaurant owner charged with sexual crimes involving 2 minors, Clayton County twin sisters make history rising the ranks in Georgia UPS facility, Alex Murdaugh killed wife, son to buy time, prosecutor says, Families intensify search for two men missing for more than a week, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Georgia baby girl reported missing with man diagnosed with mental illness, police say, Sheriff's office continues five-year-long search for missing Carrollton man. 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. 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. 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. 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. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. His sentencing is set for May 2. Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. Boones case matches the legal process used by Jason Lary, the founding mayor of Stonecrest. The people of Stonecrest deserved better, and corrupt officials can expect severe consequences for using their offices to commit crimes.. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He also resigned as the citys mayor. Then, Lary caused the city to enter a contract with MPRC to disburse the relief funds as directed by Stonecrest. An official website of the United States government. 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. He then asked the church to give $50,000 back to one of the companies included in the scheme. 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. The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. 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. A lock ( He explained he needs to take some time to work with doctors and care for himself. "I ask that you measure me by the whole story," Lary said. She also agreed to pay restitution. He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. 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. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12. Credit: Photo courtesy of Boston College Athletics, Former Stonecrest mayors accomplice pleads guilty to felony, Stonecrest councilwoman among candidates running to replace disgraced mayor, Jahmyr Gibbs: Georgia Tech helped make me who I am today, Georgia Tech closes regular season with win over Boston College. The image comes from the ancient quarries where highly-trained stonemasons carefully chose the stones used in construction. In return, prosecutors recommended a lighter sentence of 366 days in confinement half in prison and half as home arrest. Stonecrest could hold a special election to fill the vacant mayor's seat as early as March. His sentencing is set for May 2. Lary was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing relief funds. In general, according to the Department of the Treasury, relief funds could only be used to cover costs that [were] necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency. Lary betrayed the trust placed in him by the citizens of Stonecrest by stealing the very funds meant to help his constituents weather the COVID-19 pandemic, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. 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. That decision will be made at a later date. 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. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia Lary announced his resignation during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. A bookkeeper and spouse of a former Stonecrest official accepted a plea deal in federal court Friday afternoon for participating in the same fraud scheme that brought down the city's founding mayor. Former Stonecrest mayor 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. He then asked the church to give $50,000 back to one of the companies included in the scheme. Stonecrest residents that Jones talked to were outraged. Instead, $108,000 dollars were transferred to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront propertyowned by the former mayor. In January, Jason Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Lary did not tell Church 1 at this time that he actually controlled REMC. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. Stonecrest did not disburse the $6 million allocated to the Stonecrest Cares Program and Small Business Program. Those companies were all connected to Lary. 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. 2: Person of Interest. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. 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 . The first mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year. 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. 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. "Quite frankly folks, now its turned ugly," he said during a news conference in April 2021. Boone and the former Mayor conspired to fraudulently line each others pockets with relief funds that were desperately needed by struggling businesses in Stonecrest, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. 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). (FOX 5). In a special-called meeting, members of the Stonecrest City Council voted 4-1 to censure Lary. In September 2020, Jason Lary, then the Mayor of Stonecrest, signed a resolution acknowledging these CARES Act requirements. Former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, Roger Stone, leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse after being found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into . 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. Lary was supposed to be in office until the end of 2023. Lary was also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution as well. "There was never an interest on anybodys part to kick back or filter money back or any of that nonsense.". Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Main Office: Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. 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. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. They are purposely seeking to tear down everything I have worked to build in Stonecrest. 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. Main Office: "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. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. Author: 11alive.com Published: 6:24 PM EST February 11, 2022 The phrase is quoted by Jesus, who applies it to his mission of death and glory, after having told the . Inpractice, the Stonecrest Cares Program directed relief funds to churches and non-profit organizations in and around Stonecrest. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal . 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. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges Mayor Jason Lary misused $6.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The former mayor of Stonecrest who pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges is making a punishment request. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Instead, Lary spent the money to pay his own property expenses and his dues to the Georgia Campaign Finance Committee. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Lania Boone, Larys co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 11, 2022. 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 . Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. ATLANTA (AP) A suburban Atlanta mayor pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges a day after announcing his resignation from office. Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. The city of Stonecrest could hold a special election as early as March to decide Larys replacement. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. 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. . Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges.