A con artist who allegedly stole $100 million from the US military has been released without bail by a Texas judge.
“Judge Richard B Farrer did not consider it [Janet Yamanaka] Mello is a flight risk, even though she previously resided in Guam, so he ordered that she be released after prosecution,” he said. daily mail reported exclusively.
“That means he didn't have to pay any bail, but just gave his word that he would be present at all court appearances, documents from Dec. 14 show,” according to the tabloid.
Who exactly is Mello? She is a 56-year-old woman who was working as a civilian financial program manager at Fort Sam Houston when she hatched a plot to steal money from the military.
“Pigs get fat, pigs get slaughtered”
Janet 'Yamanaka' Mello is a pig
When he stole $100 million from military youth programs
The biggest fraud case in the history of our military
Then spend it on 31 homes/70 supercars/motorcycles/jewelry/etc.
Oh, and loads of that in Walmart clothing~ pic.twitter.com/U5i8PbOKJg
— TruthInBytes (@bytesintruth) January 11, 2024
The plot began in December 2016 when she formed a shell company, Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development, which she said would provide services to members of the military and their families.
“However, prosecutors claim that the shell organization did not provide these services. Instead, the US Attorney's office alleges that Mello used the millions to finance a lavish lifestyle of ” jewelry, clothing, vehicles and real estate,” according to the San Antonio Express-News.
He reportedly made millions by forging the digital signatures of one of his bosses on several occasions.
“The checks were delivered to a mailbox rented by Mello and deposited into accounts she managed and owned,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes “Officials say Mello did this more than 40 times over a six-year period.”
The plot continued for the full seven years, during which he amassed $100 million in wealth and used it to fund a variety of lavish luxuries, including mansions, sports cars and more.
NEWS
Janet Mello stole $100 million from the US military through a shell company she founded (Child Health & Lifelong Development).
He went on to spend the money on “31” properties and “70” supercars and motorcycles, as well as jewelry and clothes.Some of their assets below. pic.twitter.com/rEeRzCtjgF
— GhostySoviet (@GhostySoviet) January 10, 2024
The Daily Mail claims that it was the IRS that originally flagged Mello for scrutiny because his million-dollar home purchases didn't match his paltry salary.
“His criminal investigations division worked with army investigators as they put the pieces of the puzzle together, before Mello was criminally charged in December 2023,” the Daily Mail notes.
He now faces a slew of charges.
“Mello is charged with five counts of mail fraud, four counts of engaging in a monetary transaction of more than $10,000 with proceeds of crime, and one count of aggravated identity theft,” according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
“If convicted, Mello faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each count of fraud, up to 10 years in prison on each count of the spending statute, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison on the 'charge of aggravated identity theft', the press. the release continues.
Taken together, this carries a maximum sentence of 142 years in prison.
In accordance with the messengerhe has until Jan. 19 to accept a plea deal or face a trial that will begin on Feb. 12.
In an email to The Messenger, his defense attorney Albert Flores said, “It's very early in the case and I expect the evidence to be extensive. We'll need time to review it. I don't think the case will be resolved at these early dates “.
The Express-Notícies also notes that, as part of the criminal charges against her, she will be forced to hand over everything she bought with the stolen money.
Army civilian employee indicted in San Antonio in alleged $100 million fraud scheme https://t.co/7PmpYGZZHW @IRS_CI @RealArmyCID
— US Attorney WDTX (@USAO_WDTX) December 6, 2023
Responding to his indictment and arrest on social media, critics were quick to place the blame on the government.
Look at:
This is what happens when the government doesn't have excess and doesn't care how they waste our money. Our government is inept and corrupt
— Steve McQueen (@S_T_E_V_E___) January 11, 2024
Of course, your tax dollars go into the pockets of people like this. At least he can be held accountable, unlike your politicians who steal and get away with it.
— Robinh00dLivin (@RobinhoodRev) January 11, 2024
Our politicians are the main downsides…and our government seems to be pretty ripped off too. They just don't care about our hard earned taxpayer money as long as they get theirs
— Tammy Bergom (@TammyBergom) January 11, 2024
And people wonder why we are in debt and the cost of living is skyrocketing.
You know you can thank our government for helping make the housing crisis worse
— Michael (@MovieFanMan75) January 11, 2024
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