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. 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's accomplice pleads guilty to felony - ajc 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. Stonecrest's Jason Lary COVID funds fraud case - 11Alive.com 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 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 city of Stonecrest could hold a special election as early as March to decide Larys replacement. Former mayor of Stonecrest pleads guilty to federal charges Those companies were all connected to Lary. Lary continued with the meeting after an IT tech fixed the problem. 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. He declined to say what type of cancer he is battling but said it seems to be resurfacing for the third time. Lary wont be required to report to prison until after Dec. 15, giving him time for more cancer treatments. 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. 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. Boone was the companys bookkeeper and wrote multiple checks to disburse the funds, records show. The censure stemmed from remarks Mayor Lary made at the end of a council meeting on Sept. 27. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. The phrase is quoted by Jesus, who applies it to his mission of death and glory, after having told the . The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. Former Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty To Federal Fraud Charges Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. 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. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. Former mayor admits role in COVID relief fraud scheme Lary announced his resignation to the city on a Zoom call . It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". Prosecutors said the 59-year-old former mayor concocted a scheme to divert funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Former Stonecrest Mayor Pleads 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 city's first mayor did not mention his legal troubles in a resignation speech. He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. ATLANTA (AP) A suburban Atlanta mayor pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges a day after announcing his resignation from office. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. 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. 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. FORMER MAYOR ADMITS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. 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. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. 100 people involved in a total of $26 million in CARES Act fraud. I should've stayed out for several months, but circumstances prevailed where I needed to come back earlier," Lary said. 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. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing relief funds. Lock 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 relief funds deposited into the Visit Us and Battleground Media accounts were used by Lary to benefit himself and his associates. STONECREST MAYOR RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF CARES ACT FUNDS MISUSE. Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Georgia COVID-19 Relief Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges. Stonecrest could hold a special election to fill the vacant mayor's seat as early as March. The government said no marketing was ever done. . Example video title will go here for this video, Should Be Alive Ep. Hopefully, he gets all of that, Morrell said. Lary is expected to be sentenced on July 13 at 10 a.m. 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. Then, Lary caused the city to enter a contract with MPRC to disburse the relief funds as directed by Stonecrest. In January, Jason Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. 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.. Federal prosecutors said that in addition to paying off personal debt, Lary conducted a scheme where he asked small businesses and churches to whom he allocated grants to give 25% of the money to companies connected to himself and co-conspirators. "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 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 been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. His sentencing hearing has been set for May 2. In or about November 2020, Stonecrest published an application on its website for businesses to apply for relief funds under the Small Business Program. 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. Roger Stone prosecutors quit after furor over Trump ally's sentence - CNBC Lary asked potential recipients to kickback 25% of their grant to other companies for "marketing" purposes. 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. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. 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. 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. But he was using it for his own personal needs.. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Around the same time, Lary directed approximately $7,600 in stolen relief funds to be used for Boones sons college tuition and rent. Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. 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. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. Per federal rules, Stonecrest officials could only spend these relief funds on necessary expenditures related to . "Boones guilty plea further demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who seek to exploit COVID relief programs for their own gain. The plan provided $1 million to the Stonecrest Cares Program for mask distribution, COVID-19 education and testing, and other purposes. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges. Around October 2021, the United States seized approximately $480,000 of fraud proceeds held in the bank accounts of Visit Us and Battleground Media. In September 2020, Jason Lary, then the Mayor of Stonecrest, signed a resolution acknowledging these CARES Act requirements. Lary announced his resignation during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday. 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. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds. 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. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. 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. "I ask that you measure me by the whole story," Lary said. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Lary was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Larys last public address to his constituents delivered one last bombshell moment to his tenure. As you can tell with technology, it can be immature and ridiculous, and thats fine, Lary said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud 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 came back too early from my second round with cancer. Lary won the mayors race twice, the citys only mayor in its brief history. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 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. Suite 600 If the special election for the mayors seat requires a runoff election, it will take place June 21. A locked padlock 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. Until a new mayor is elected, the mayors responsibilities will be handled by the mayor pro tem. Andrea V. Watson. 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. 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. This story is breaking. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. 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. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen [email protected]. The indictment alleges that Smith stole more than $450,000 in Social Security Administration Northern District of Georgia Lary placed the defendant, Clarence Boone, who was then Senior Economic Development Manager for Stonecrest, in charge of overseeing the Small Business Program. 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 .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Residents will soon get a chance to elect a new mayor in Stonecrest. During a struggle to implement new city manager, Lary said he was facing what could be his third battle with cancer. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 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 also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution as well. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. Shes the wife of Clarence Boone, the citys former economic development director who was fired as a result of investigations in the citys relief program. First, Lary conspired with Boone to steal relief funds before they were disbursed by MRPC. The people of Stonecrest deserved better, and corrupt officials can expect severe consequences for using their offices to commit crimes.. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. 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 . He does not have to report to prison until Dec. 15, so he can continue treatment for prostate cancer. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of - MSN The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges Mayor Jason Lary misused $6.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. February 21, 2022 Chris Butler. 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. Stonecrest's former Senior Economic Development Manager pleads guilty Lary previously denied the accusations of fraud. 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. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges, Former Stonecrest mayor resigns and plead guilty to federal fraud charges, 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), more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, 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. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. In a special-called meeting, members of the Stonecrest City Council voted 4-1 to censure Lary. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. 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. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. The Stone that the Builders Rejected Became the Cornerstone? DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. 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. 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. 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. In January, Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal program theft and federal program theft. Have a question about Government Services? Suite 600 DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. 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. His plea came the same morning his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. ", 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. A Georgia Senator said he was unsurprised to hear about the indictment. The resolution also adopted a funding plan for most of Stonecrests relief funds. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges - CBS 46 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. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Wilmot previously prosecuted the case. Main Office: 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. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church.