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Janet Yamanaka Mello, a former civilian employee at Fort Sam Houston, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for embezzling nearly $109 million from a military youth development program. Mello, 57, used her position to siphon funds into a fictitious organization she created, Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development (CHYLD), which did not provide any actual services.
Instead, she used the stolen funds to indulge in a lavish lifestyle, acquiring multiple mansions, luxury vehicles, and an extensive collection of designer jewelry.
Mello’s fraud spanned over six years, during which she exploited her trusted position to process and approve payments under the guise of supporting military families. Her fraudulent activities included forging signatures and filing over 40 applications for grants through CHYLD. The ill-gotten funds were used to purchase luxury items, including over 1,500 pieces of jewelry, high-end vehicles such as Maseratis and Ferraris, and real estate across several states.
U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez handed down the 15-year sentence after Mello pleaded guilty to multiple counts of mail fraud and filing false tax returns. Despite the substantial amount of stolen funds, Mello’s defense attorney, Albert Flores, emphasized her remorse and efforts to preserve many of the purchased items, hoping they could be sold to reimburse the government. The defense, however, does not plan to appeal the sentence.
Federal authorities have moved to seize the properties and assets bought with the stolen money, including a mansion in Preston, Maryland, notable for its 55-car garage. In addition to the real estate, Mello also had approximately $18 million across six bank accounts. The government is conducting further investigations into these assets as part of the restitution process .
Mello’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing public trust and underscores the importance of stringent oversight in managing public funds. The U.S. Army and federal prosecutors have emphasized their commitment to holding individuals accountable for such fraudulent activities.
