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. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives. The relief funds were designed to cover costs during the public health emergency. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com. "What the mayor said was unacceptable and does not represent city council," said Mayor Pro Tem George Turner. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, Chief of Public Integrity and Civil Rights, is prosecuting the case. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,607.69. 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 Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for Former Stonecrest mayor's accomplice pleads guilty to felony - ajc 2021 5 Feb. "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" ( Psalm 118:22 ). The government said no marketing was ever done. Charles Johnson, Sr., has pleaded guilty for not paying $1.4 million in payroll taxes and for failure to pay employment taxes. While I was out on cancer leave, they removed me from every committee I created, refused to pay my car allowance, while paying six figures to the finance director and $209,000 annually to the acting city manager (including a car allowance). Lary, 60, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, federal program theft and conspiracy to commit federal program theft. 2023 Cox Media Group. For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Former Stonecrest mayor sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The first is verse 22, "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner-stone". Until a new mayor is elected, the mayors responsibilities will be handled by the mayor pro tem. He explained he needs to take some time to work with doctors and care for himself. The population is now 60,000 with a budget of more than $13 million. 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. 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. 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In one case, federal investigators alleged that Lary gave a church $150,000 under the condition that they would give a third of the money to a company called Real Estate Management Consultants LLC, which Lary controlled. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. In September 2020, Jason Lary, then the Mayor of Stonecrest, signed a resolution acknowledging these CARES Act requirements. Lary, 59, was the first mayor of Stonecrest, a DeKalb County city of about . Now, the sheriff's office is hoping to reignite the search on this cold case. Richard B. Russell Federal Building Official websites use .gov [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. The 60-year-old Lary pleaded guilty in January to fraud and theft charges. None the less, I will continue to serve the people of the great city of Stonecrest.". Hardworking people like us, Will Morrell said. He's accused of federal fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. 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. Deana Timberlake-Wiley, Boones attorney, and federal prosecutors declined to comment. A lock ( 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. DeKalb County then disbursed $6.2 million of these relief funds to Stonecrest. 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 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. 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. His plea came the same morning his resignation as mayor of Stonecrest became official. 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. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. . 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. Lary and Boone knew the purpose of the transfer was to pay off the mortgage on a lakefront home owned by Lary. The resolution also adopted a funding plan for most of Stonecrests relief funds. 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. The city will hold a special election to select a new mayor. Third, Lary and others acting on his behalf solicited relief funds from businesses that received grants under the Small Business Program. Puede participar en nuestro ensayo sobre EPOC? The rescue team said the man was buried up to his neck in soil. STONECREST, Ga. Editor's note: The video above is from a previous story. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Lary allegedly had the city improperly enter into a contract with a recently founded nonprofit, Municipal Resource Partners Corporation, to distribute the citys funds as a way to siphon money toward himself and cohorts. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Lary wont be required to report to prison until after Dec. 15, giving him time for more cancer treatments. "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. 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. 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. Jason Lary was accused of stealing more than $650,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Lary did not disclose he controlled these companies. DEKALB COUNTY, GA The former mayor of Stonecrest pleaded guilty to wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy, reported WAGA-TV. Instead Lary worked behind the scenes to form a private company, Municipal Resource Partners Corporation, Inc. (MRPC), recruit its CEO, open its bank accounts, and ensure that Lania Boone, his convicted co-conspirator, would be hired as MRPCs bookkeeper. ATLANTA (AP) A suburban Atlanta mayor pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges a day after announcing his resignation from office. Author: 11alive.com Published: 6:24 PM EST February 11, 2022 Bookkeeper admits to role helping former Stonecrest mayor steal COVID In another case, Lary allegedly gave a church $50,000. The qualification period will take place roughly a month before the election date, and it must end 25 days before the election takes place. Since Larys term was set to expire at the end of 2023, the city charter requires a special election to fill his post. But he was using it for his own personal needs.. Former mayor admits role in COVID relief fraud scheme 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A judge will have the final say on her sentencing; her conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years behind bars. Lary issued a statement to FOX 5 about the censure: "My frustrations have boiled over with this council. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, Former U.S. Stone clemency order shows Trump wiped prison sentence, supervised STONECREST, Ga. Former Stonecrest mayor Jason Lary has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges just hours after resigning Wednesday. During a struggle to implement new city manager, Lary said he was facing what could be his third battle with cancer. A bookkeeper was also involved in the scheme and arraigned, records show. In return, prosecutors recommended a lighter sentence of 366 days in confinement half in prison and half as home arrest. Lary previously denied the accusations of fraud. "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.". Boones case matches the legal process used by Jason Lary, the founding mayor of Stonecrest. Lock They are purposely seeking to tear down everything I have worked to build in Stonecrest. 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 mayor of metro Atlanta city pleads guilty to fraud Suite 600 Suite 600 Stonecrest was required to spend the relief funds in accordance with the CARES Act. In or about November 2020, Stonecrest published an application on its website for businesses to apply for relief funds under the Small Business Program. Main Office: STONECREST MAYOR RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF CARES ACT FUNDS MISUSE. He does not have to report to prison until Dec. 15, so he can continue treatment for prostate cancer. 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. Stonecrest's Jason Lary COVID funds fraud case - 11Alive.com Jones tried to get a comment from Larys attorney after court, but he refused to make a statement. Stonecrest sets May election date to replace mayor after guilty - ajc That money was supposed to go to people like us. No stone was more important than the cornerstone because the integrity of the whole structure depended on the cornerstone containing . An official website of the United States government. 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 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. 75 Ted Turner Dr. SW 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. She also agreed to pay restitution. The former mayor of Stonecrest who pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges is making a punishment request. This sentencing holds Lary accountable for abusing his position of trust and blatant disrespect for the law.. The details of Boones plea deal are similar to the one Lary accepted. 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. Former Stonecrest mayor, bookkeeper plead guilty to theft of COVID 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. 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.