Scammer accused of stealing $100 million from military to spend on luxury homes and cars can retire with full benefits: ‘I earned it’

A fraudster accused of defrauding the US military out of $100 million has been given the green light to retire with full benefits.

Janet Yamanaka Mello, 57, who is currently under criminal investigation, brazenly claims she “earned” her civil servant retirement package despite allegedly using the funds to purchase more than 30 houses, luxury cars and jewelry at through the seven-year plan.

The military admitted that nothing can be done to deny Mello benefits, since they are protected by a federal law that was stuck in government bureaucracy.

“The command has no authority to affect Ms. Mello’s retirement,” an Army spokesperson told the San Antonio Express-News.

“Pursuant to Article 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 8312, an individual may be denied an annuity or retirement payment on the basis of the individual’s service, if the individual is convicted of treason, rebellion or insurrection, or other similar crimes. “There is no similar legal authority to deny payment to a retiree based on a conviction for other crimes.”

A fraudster accused of defrauding the US military out of $100 million has been given the green light to retire with full benefits. Federal Court Documents

Albert Flores, Mello’s attorney, told the outlet that his client “earned” her retirement benefits.

“She earned it. I don’t see how one thing relates to the other,” she said of the ongoing criminal investigation.

Flores said Mello’s case will be resolved quickly, as she has been “very cooperative” in the delivery of assets.

He said he will probably sell some of his luxury possessions to reimburse officials.

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Janet Yamanaka Mello, 57, who is currently under criminal investigation, brazenly claims that she “earned” her retirement package as a public servant. KSAT

Mello, who worked as a civilian financial programs manager at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, devised a plan in 2016 to create a business titled “Lifelong Child Health and Youth Development” to divert the funds she received to herself. from army. .

Most recently, he has raised $130,000 a year in his position.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) flagged Mello’s suspicious business when he included it on his personal tax returns in 2017.

Still, your retirement plan is covered by the Federal Employees Retirement Service (FERS), which includes a basic benefit plan, social security, and a savings plan.

Mello allegedly used the funds to purchase more than 30 homes and luxury cars throughout the seven-year plan. Sue Thatcher

In a press release issued in December 2023, the Justice Department said Mello “allegedly stole more than $100 million in Army funds by regularly submitting fraudulent documentation indicating that an entity she controlled was entitled to receive funds from the Army.” Army”.

The alleged scammer began scamming in 2016 when she created the fake business called “Child Health and Youth Development for Life (CHYLD).”

Mello claimed that his company provided services to military members and their families through the 4-H program, but instead simply funded a lavish lifestyle.

Albert Flores, Mello’s attorney, told the outlet that his client “earned” her retirement benefits. KSAT

Mello purchased 31 different real estate properties in Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas and Washington.

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In addition to the enormous amount of real estate he was purchasing, Mello also splurged and purchased at least 80 vehicles.

Authorities also seized more than $18 million in cash from six different accounts connected to Mello.

Mello is also accused of purchasing luxury jewelry items with cash. cobalt

Mello was arrested in December and charged with five counts of mail fraud, four counts of engaging in a monetary transaction over $10,000 using proceeds of crime, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

She was released without bail and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas awaits a Jan. 19 deadline to decide whether Mello reaches a plea deal or faces jury selection and a trial on February 12.

If convicted, Mello faces a maximum prison sentence of 142 years.

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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