Janet Yamanaka Mello, a former Army civilian employee, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for stealing nearly $109 million from a grant program meant to support military children and families. Mello, who worked as a program manager, used a fraudulent business to obtain grant funds and spent the money on personal items such as jewelry, clothing, luxury vehicles, and real estate. She pleaded guilty to mail fraud and filing false tax returns, admitting to submitting fake paperwork to her supervisor to secure grant funds. Mello repeated this process 49 times over a six-year period, receiving a total of over $108 million. She also failed to accurately report her income for several years, omitting the millions she received through her scheme. Authorities emphasized the impact of Mello’s actions on the military community, stating that corruption and fraud schemes jeopardize the safety and security of soldiers and their families. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Mello’s reported income did not align with her lavish lifestyle, leading to the unraveling of her criminal scheme. The case highlights the consequences of financial crimes and the harm they can cause to vulnerable populations, such as the children and families of military personnel.
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