Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. In total, businesses were defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars of relief funds. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. 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. Jason Lary stole more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant to help the. Former Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary pleads guilty to federal - WAGA This man's imprisonment shows why California's 'special circumstances Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Boones case matches the legal process used by Jason Lary, the founding mayor of 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, churches and the people of the city. 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. 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. "I ask that you measure me by the whole story," Lary said. Stonecrest sets May election date to replace mayor after guilty - ajc 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. The last day Stonecrest residents can register to vote in time for the special election is April 25. 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 resolution also adopted a funding plan for most of Stonecrests relief funds. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. 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 . 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. Lania Boone, Larys co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 11, 2022. Instead, prosecutors said Lary used the money to cover his own tax liabilities and pay off the mortgage on his lake house. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. As you can tell with technology, it can be immature and ridiculous, and thats fine, Lary said. That decision will be made at a later date. 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. 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 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. Lary faces up to 35 years in prison on all three counts. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW Larys last public address to his constituents delivered one last bombshell moment to his tenure. Lary is free on bond. He has not been charged with a crime. His sentencing is set for May 2. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges | AP News Lania Boone, a bookkeeper Lary hired for one of companies, admitted to helping the former mayor siphon CARES act money for personal use. 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. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. A bookkeeper and spouse - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Facebook 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,. Hardworking people like us, Will Morrell said. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie a rarity for a five-member City Council. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. Both Boone and Lary remain out of jail on bond until their sentencing hearings. 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. 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. Wilmot said Lary used some of that stolen money to pay off the $108,147 mortgage on his lakefront home in Macon. Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges - CBS 46 His legal team is citing his health and lack of criminal record should merit a lighter sentence. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. 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. Stonecrest's former Senior Economic Development Manager pleads guilty 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. 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. The details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. Lary, who faces up to 35 years in prison, will be sentenced on May 2. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. That money was supposed to go to people like us. Official websites use .gov A lock ( "I did the best I could do with what we had in place.". Lania Boone pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program theft on February 11, 2022. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Stonecrest Mayor Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges 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. 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 . DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. 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. Andrea V. Watson. Former Stonecrest mayor pleads guilty to federal fraud charges 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 is due in court to answer for fraud allegations. Stonecrest ex-mayor's cohort pleads guilty in fraud scheme 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. 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. 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. Stonecrest could hold a special election to fill the vacant mayor's seat as early as March. Lock Bookkeeper admits to role helping former Stonecrest mayor steal COVID 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. The image comes from the ancient quarries where highly-trained stonemasons carefully chose the stones used in construction. 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 first mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year. Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. An official website of the United States government. 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 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. Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. 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. Former L.A. Councilmember Jose Huizar pleads guilty in corruption case The city of Stonecrest could hold a special election as early as March to decide Larys replacement. 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. "You don't recognize Mayor Pro Tem and council and just leave me standing there like I'm not in the meeting. Puede participar en nuestro ensayo sobre EPOC? No stone was more important than the cornerstone because the integrity of the whole structure depended on the cornerstone containing . He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. 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, Clayton County twin sisters make history rising the ranks in Georgia UPS facility, Prominent Roswell restaurant owner charged with sexual crimes involving 2 minors, Families intensify search for two men missing for more than a week, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Police issue close to 100 traffic tickets at same Sandy Springs intersection, 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. All rights reserved. Former mayor asks judge if he can serve sentence from home after Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. Lary also made the defendants wife, Lania Boone, the bookkeeper charged with distributing 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. 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. 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. 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. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Wilmot previously prosecuted the case. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". He said he had surgery in late December 2020. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. I let us down, he told the court, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Stonecrest residents that Jones talked to were outraged. ATLANTA (AP) A suburban Atlanta mayor pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges a day after announcing his resignation from office. Candidates must pay a $600 qualifying fee. 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. 2021 5 Feb. "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" ( Psalm 118:22 ). FORMER MAYOR ADMITS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. Sandra D. Smith has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. The DeKalb County District Attorneys Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to bring these bad actors to justice, said DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. 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. "If you don't know protocol, you better learn it with me," said Lary. "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. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. His plea came the same morning his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. 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.