Lary is accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds meant to help the people of Stonecrest who he was supposed to serve. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. Boones case matches the legal process used by Jason Lary, the founding mayor of Stonecrest. 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 was arraigned in November 2021, accused of personally profiting from COVID-19 relief money. 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.. Have a question about Government Services? Around October 2021, the United States seized approximately $480,000 of fraud proceeds held in the bank accounts of Visit Us and Battleground Media. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary on Wednesday pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. "The question of compassion to this Honorable Court is what is the appropriate sentenced for the conduct of this Defendant who, when confronted 'fessed up' and avoided costly indictment and made good faith efforts to cooperate with the Government," court documents read. Instead, prosecutors said Lary used the money to cover his own tax liabilities and pay off the mortgage on his lake house. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. His sentencing is set for May 2. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2022. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. The judge says Larys actions were deplorable and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. If the special election for the mayors seat requires a runoff election, it will take place June 21. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. (FOX 5). Stonecrest did not disburse the $6 million allocated to the Stonecrest Cares Program and Small Business Program. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for stealing COVID-19 relief funds. 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. Those companies were all connected to Lary. Inpractice, the Stonecrest Cares Program directed relief funds to churches and non-profit organizations in and around Stonecrest. 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.. I will show you my hairy behind next time it happens and that's the only warning I'm going to give with this.". Jason Lary, the former mayor of Stonecrest, pleaded guilty, according to a news release. 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. 100 people involved in a total of $26 million in CARES Act fraud. 2023 FOX Television Stations, resignation went into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief. "Boones guilty plea further demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who seek to exploit COVID relief programs for their own gain. Cobbles term is set to expire in 2026, so another special election will be necessary. 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. In Larys guilty plea, he admitted to making sure that Boone was hired as Municipal Resource Partners bookkeeper. The censure stemmed from remarks Mayor Lary made at the end of a council meeting on Sept. 27. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor C. Wilmot prosecuted the case. 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. 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. The population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. 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. The details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. 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. "I did the best I could do with what we had in place.". . . She also agreed to pay restitution. 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. But he was using it for his own personal needs.. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. Official websites use .gov Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Wilmot previously prosecuted the case. Lania Boone, 60, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for her role in a scheme to steal . He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. Lary announced his resignation during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday. Lary previously denied the accusations of fraud. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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 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 rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. The federal government permitted DeKalb County to further disburse these relief funds to its municipalities. 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. Boone was the companys bookkeeper and wrote multiple checks to disburse the funds, records show. Stonecrest mayor charged in alleged misuse of CARES Act federal funds Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would. 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. 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. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Sentencing is scheduled for May 12. 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. The three conspired to steal and misappropriate relief funds intended for struggling businesses in Stonecrest. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. 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. Example video title will go here for this video, Should Be Alive Ep. Boone agreed to cooperate with government agents, provide records and testify at future trials. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The judge says Lary's actions were "deplorable" and rejected a defense request for Lary to avoid prison time. Lary did not disclose he controlled these companies. 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. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. The mayor only votes in the event of a tie a rarity for a five-member City Council. 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. Puede participar en nuestro ensayo sobre EPOC? Andrea V. Watson. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of Stonecrest.". "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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. He also settled income taxes he owed going back to 2015. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The city of Stonecrest could hold a special election as early as March to decide Larys replacement. Ronald Bell, who conspired to extort money from Georgia Institute of Technology, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. Main Office: Have a question about Government Services? 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. 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. The. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. 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. 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. Lary pleaded guilty to wire fraud, federal program theft, and conspiracy on January 5, 2022. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. Lary, 60, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft. 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. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. 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. He has not been charged with a crime. 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. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. STONECREST MAYOR JASON LARY RESIGNS DAY BEFORE FEDERAL COURT DATE, FORMER STONECREST MAYOR ADMINS ROLE IN COVID RELIEF FRAUD SCHEME. His resignation went into effect Wednesday. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. 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. 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. Author: 11alive.com Published: 6:24 PM EST February 11, 2022 Residents will soon get a chance to elect a new mayor in Stonecrest. He resigned his post on Jan. 4 and accepted a plea deal the next day for concocting the scheme. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 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. The application included the question, are you willing to allocate 25% of your grant to marketing your business? Hundreds of businesses applied for relief funds, but most of the applicants were rejected. 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. In total, businesses were defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars of relief funds. 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. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. Erskine told the FOX 5 I-Team he is accused of pocketing more than $650,000. He explained he needs to take some time to work with doctors and care for himself. Those duties include acting as the figurehead of the city and appointing members to boards and committees. He declined to say what type of cancer he is battling but said it seems to be resurfacing for the third time. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. This story is breaking. Lary previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his attorney, Dwight Thomas, indicated on Nov. 10 that he would take a plea deal. 2022-02-12 - By Zachary Hansen zachary.hansen@ajc.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. 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 phrase is quoted by Jesus, who applies it to his mission of death and glory, after having told the . 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Jason Lary admitted he stole more than $650,000 in CARES Act money that was supposed to help struggling businesses and church. STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. Lania Boone pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program theft on February 11, 2022. Lania Boone, a bookkeeper Lary hired for one of companies, admitted to helping the former mayor siphon CARES act money for personal use. "He certainly, as alleged by the Grand Jury, used his position as mayor of Stonecrest to divert those funds and used his influence and connections," Erskine said. Lary and Boone knew the purpose of the transfer was to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary. Atlanta, GA 30303-3309. 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. "It's time for me to retire from politics and focus on my health," Lary said. Lary used three different methods to steal the funds Stonecrest disbursed to MRPC. 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. Lania Boone, Larys co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 11, 2022. his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. The city's first mayor did not mention his legal troubles in a resignation speech. 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. It's been five years since a Carroll County man mysteriously disappeared from his home. Jason Lary received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. Then, Lary caused the city to enter a contract with MPRC to disburse the relief funds as directed by Stonecrest. One of the grants was to his church, which he awarded $150,000. He faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Jones tried to get a comment from Larys attorney after court, but he refused to make a statement. The potential stakes are high for offenders who break new guidelines. 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. Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. Official websites use .gov 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 . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. A locked padlock 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. A Georgia Senator said he was unsurprised to hear about the indictment. Lary, 59, was the first mayor of Stonecrest, a DeKalb County city of about . He's accused of federal fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. Lary is free on bond. In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. 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. He also resigned as the citys mayor. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW 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. 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.