former stonecrest mayor's accomplice pleads guilty to felony

Larys last public address to his constituents delivered one last bombshell moment to his tenure. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. For example, Lary used relief funds held by Visit Us to pay for an associates political advertising. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. InJuly 2020, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to disburse some of the relief funds to its municipalities, including a $6.2 million grant to Stonecrest. Channel 2s Audrey Washington called and emailed Stonecrest officials about the announcement and the hack. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. Lary previously denied the accusations of fraud. 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. Instead, Lary spent the money to pay his own property expenses and his dues to the Georgia Campaign Finance Committee. Lary is free on bond. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. 2023 Cox Media Group. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]. Jones tried to get a comment from Larys attorney after court, but he refused to make a statement. 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. 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. He does not have to report to prison until Dec. 15, so he can continue treatment for prostate cancer. 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Thrash sentenced Stonecrest ex-mayor Jason Lary to 57 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay nearly $120,000 in restitution. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS DeKalb County then disbursed $6.2 million of these relief funds to Stonecrest. The people of Stonecrest deserved better, and corrupt officials can expect severe consequences for using their offices to commit crimes.. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. "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. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. 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. Lary used three different methods to steal the funds Stonecrest disbursed to MRPC. "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. 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. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie a rarity for a five-member City Council. If the special election for the mayors seat requires a runoff election, it will take place June 21. Lary asked potential recipients to kickback 25% of their grant to other companies for "marketing" purposes. Residents will soon get a chance to elect a new mayor 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. In or about November 2020, Stonecrest published an application on its website for businesses to apply for relief funds under the Small Business Program. The city of Stonecrest could hold a special election as early as March to decide Larys replacement. 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. Prosecutors said the 59-year-old former mayor concocted a scheme to divert funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. "I ask that you measure me by the whole story," Lary said. Both Boone and Lary remain out of jail on bond until their sentencing hearings. Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. Lary did not tell the businesses that he controlled these entities. Lary, 59, was the first mayor of Stonecrest, a DeKalb County city of about . DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Lary and others falsely claimed that the money would be each businesss contribution to Stonecrest-related marketing and advertising. 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. Jason Lary stole more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant to help the. 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). Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. The about-face came in. In September 2020, Jason Lary, then the Mayor of Stonecrest, signed a resolution acknowledging these CARES Act requirements. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. The relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. 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. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal federal pandemic relief funds. The details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. 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. The qualification period will take place roughly a month before the election date, and it must end 25 days before the election takes place. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. He's accused of federal fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of Public Integrity and Civil Rights, is prosecuting the case. 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. "What the mayor said was unacceptable and does not represent city council," said Mayor Pro Tem George Turner. 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. 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. 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. 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. His sentencing is set for May 2. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A locked padlock Main Office: 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. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. His sentencing is set for May 2. Lary and Boone knew the purpose of the transfer was to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary. 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. and were incurred during the period that [began] on March 1, 2020, and [ended] on December 30, 2020. Examples of eligible expenditures were medical expenses, public health expenses, and grants to small businesses to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. City leaders have not chosen a specific location for the special election to be held. 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. 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. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12. 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. 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. 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. During a struggle to implement new city manager, Lary said he was facing what could be his third battle with cancer. In January, Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. 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. 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. 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 . 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. 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. Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. "If you don't know protocol, you better learn it with me," said Lary. 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. The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. 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. 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. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. 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. The image comes from the ancient quarries where highly-trained stonemasons carefully chose the stones used in construction. He said he had surgery in late December 2020. The 45-minute Zoom call in which he announced his resignation was hacked and briefly displayed a video game and then a brief snippet of pornography. He has not been charged with a crime. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Yet Lary and others asked that these contributions be given not to Stonecrest, but to entities called Visit Us, Inc. and Battleground Media, LLC. No stone was more important than the cornerstone because the integrity of the whole structure depended on the cornerstone containing . 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. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. Lary won the mayors race twice, the citys only mayor in its brief history. 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. STONECREST MAYOR RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF CARES ACT FUNDS MISUSE. 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. Lary continued with the meeting after an IT tech fixed the problem. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case.