The judge says Lary's actions were "deplorable" and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. DeKalb County then disbursed $6.2 million of these relief funds to Stonecrest. 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,. 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. 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.. 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. "You don't recognize Mayor Pro Tem and council and just leave me standing there like I'm not in the meeting. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. 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. 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. 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. The former mayor of Stonecrest who pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges is making a punishment request. 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 previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. The. 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Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than. Lary, 60, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft. Lania Boone, a bookkeeper Lary hired for one of companies, admitted to helping the former mayor siphon CARES act money for personal use. The discussion comes after the censure of Stonecrest's mayor for comments he made during a meeting. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. 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. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. Jones tried to get a comment from Larys attorney after court, but he refused to make a statement. 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. That decision will be made at a later date. In January, Jason Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. 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. The phrase is quoted by Jesus, who applies it to his mission of death and glory, after having told the . Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. Jason Lary, whose resignation. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges | AP News The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. 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. The population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. Those companies were all connected to Lary. 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 asking for a lighter sentence than he faces after pleading guilty to allegedly stealing COVID relief funds awarded to the city during the pandemic. I will show you my hairy behind next time it happens and that's the only warning I'm going to give with this.". 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. Yet Lary and others asked that these contributions be given not to Stonecrest, but to entities called Visit Us, Inc. and Battleground Media, LLC. 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. His sentencing hearing has been set for May 2. 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. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. In Larys guilty plea, he admitted to making sure that Boone was hired as Municipal Resource Partners bookkeeper. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]. 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. 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. He explained he needs to take some time to work with doctors and care for himself. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case. As mayor, he took control of who received $6.2 million in CARES Act money. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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 . 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. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. BREAKING: A bookkeeper - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Facebook The plan also provided $5 million to the COVID-19 CARES Act Small Business Program (Small Business 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. 2023 FOX Television Stations, resignation went into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief. 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. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. 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. The Stone that the Builders Rejected Became the Cornerstone? Stonecrest's Jason Lary COVID funds fraud case - 11Alive.com Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges. Instead, Lary spent the money to pay his own property expenses and his dues to the Georgia Campaign Finance Committee. An official website of the United States government. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. Andrea V. Watson. 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. Richard B. Russell Federal Building The city will hold a special election on May 24 to fill the rest of the mayors term after the office was vacated by Jason Lary in January. If the special election for the mayors seat requires a runoff election, it will take place June 21. The relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. The city will hold a special election on May 24 to fill the rest of the mayor's term after the office was vacated by Jason Lary in January. Stonecrest could hold a special election to fill the vacant mayor's seat as early as March. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. His sentencing is set for May 2. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing relief funds. The city's first mayor did not mention his legal troubles in a resignation speech. Instead, prosecutors said Lary used the money to cover his own tax liabilities and pay off the mortgage on his lake house. 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 . I let us down, he told the court, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen zachary.hansen@ajc.com. Lock 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 . His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Lary placed the defendant, Clarence Boone, who was then Senior Economic Development Manager for Stonecrest, in charge of overseeing the Small Business Program. 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. Stone clemency order shows Trump wiped prison sentence, supervised 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. "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. Stonecrest's former Senior Economic Development Manager pleads guilty By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. 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. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. 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. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2022. 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. 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. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. Lary is free on bond. "Boones guilty plea further demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who seek to exploit COVID relief programs for their own gain. He then asked the church to give $50,000 back to one of the companies included in the scheme. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". In total, businesses were defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars of relief funds. City leaders have not chosen a specific location for the special election to be held. 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. His sentencing is set for May 2. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12. Lary was also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution as well. Lary is due in court to answer for fraud allegations. Former L.A. Councilmember Jose Huizar pleads guilty in corruption case STONECREST MAYOR RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF CARES ACT FUNDS MISUSE. . STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. 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. 2021 5 Feb. "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" ( Psalm 118:22 ). All rights reserved. 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. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges "What the mayor said was unacceptable and does not represent city council," said Mayor Pro Tem George Turner. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. 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. 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. 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 judge says Larys actions were deplorable and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. On Wednesday, Channel 2s Tom Jones was in the courtroom as Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. The relief funds were designed to cover costs during the public health emergency. Bookkeeper admits to role helping former Stonecrest mayor steal COVID The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. 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. The censure stemmed from remarks Mayor Lary made at the end of a council meeting on Sept. 27. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal federal pandemic relief funds. 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 did not tell Church 1 at this time that he actually controlled REMC. Since Larys term was set to expire at the end of 2023, the city charter requires a special election to fill his post. First, Lary conspired with Boone to steal relief funds before they were disbursed by MRPC. Boones case matches the legal process used by Jason Lary, the founding mayor of Stonecrest. 2023 FOX Television Stations. 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. Stonecrest residents that Jones talked to were outraged. Jason Lary, who announced his resignation as the mayor of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal. Former Mayor of Stonecrest sentenced to prison for stealing COVID-19 . A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. "If you don't know protocol, you better learn it with me," said Lary. In January, Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. Lary, 59, was the first mayor of Stonecrest, a DeKalb County city of about . Then, Lary caused the city to enter a contract with MPRC to disburse the relief funds as directed by Stonecrest. 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. They are purposely seeking to tear down everything I have worked to build in Stonecrest. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Hardworking people like us, Will Morrell said. 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. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. Attorneys for the Northern District of Georgia, Stonecrests former Senior Economic Development Manager pleads guilty to theft of 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, Stonecrests Former Senior Economic Development Manager Pleads Guilty To Theft of COVID 19 Relief Funds. Lary previously denied the accusations of fraud. Stonecrest ex-mayor's cohort pleads guilty in fraud scheme Wilmot said Lary used some of that stolen money to pay off the $108,147 mortgage on his lakefront home in Macon. Roger Stone prosecutors quit after furor over Trump ally's sentence - CNBC Lary faces up to 35 years in prison on all three counts. 2023 Cox Media Group. In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. "There was never an interest on anybodys part to kick back or filter money back or any of that nonsense.". 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. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. ATLANTA - After spending nearly a year proclaiming his innocence, former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary admitted masterminding a scheme to steal COVID relief funds. Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call Tuesday.. Author: 11alive.com Published: 6:24 PM EST February 11, 2022 For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. 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. 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. Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call . Residents will soon get a chance to elect a new mayor in Stonecrest. Former Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary pleads guilty to federal - WAGA Check back for details. Lary won the mayors race twice, the citys only mayor in its brief history. 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. 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. 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.

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