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Texas woman gets 15 years for stealing $109M from Army to buy mansions, cars

A former Army civilian employee has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after stealing nearly $109 million from a grant program.

Mello then spent the funds received by Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development on various personal items, including high-end jewelry, clothing, luxury vehicles, and real estate, court documents said. Court documents detailed numerous transactions Mello made using the funds, including spending more than $788,000 in jewelry in October and November 2022; purchasing over $264,000 for a 2023 Range Rover; and buying property in Canyon Lake, Texas, for more than $3.3 million. "Her actions reflect exactly the opposite of what it means to serve your country, and my office will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those who illegally seek personal gain at the expense of their fellow citizens," Esparza said.

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