Incurring allegations that could shake the core of public service integrity, Marcello Banes, the Newton County Board of Commissioners Chairman, along with real estate broker Stephanie Lindsey, find themselves facing federal charges for money laundering, a revelation that could severely impact trust in the governance of Newton County. Accused of manipulating a land sale for personal gain, the indictment filed by a federal grand jury sparks concern and a push for statutes to ensure the sanctity of public service remains unsullied, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to the indictment released by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Banes, supposedly serving the interests of the public, and Lindsey, entrusted with representing the best wishes of her clients, have been charged with devising a scheme to defraud and deprive the community. "By allegedly laundering proceeds obtained from a fraud conspiracy, these defendants violated the trust placed in them by their client, their constituents, and their fellow commissioners," stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. Buchanan announced the indictment yesterday, casting a somber note on the network of community leaders elected and appointed to serve the public's interest.
Founded in 1999, the Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties was created to attract commerce and develop the area industrially. Banes, tasked with representing Newton County on the board, is said to have abused this position, having solicited and approved a lucrative land sale by a company, anonymously referred to as "Company A." This arrangement was reportedly sealed without disclosing to the company the kickback arrangement between Banes and Lindsey, leaving Company A in the dark about Banes' financial interest in the transaction, as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
When the matter came to a vote on January 22, 2019, Banes gave his assent unbeknownst to the other JDA members regarding his secret arrangement. Following the sale's culmination, according to the indictment, Lindsey pressured Company A to adhere to the earlier arranged $150,000 payment for her brokerage. Following which, an alleged $100,000 was diverted clandestinely to Banes through a business entity the two had created. Reports later emerged regarding the use of the laundered funds for Banes' personal ventures, including a house in Newton County.
Lindsey faces additional scrutiny under allegations of filing false tax returns to minimize the tax impact of her illicit gains. The indictment also accuses Banes of misleading federal agents during a 2023 interview by denying knowledge of Lindsey's involvement in the land sale. Both Marcello C. Banes, aged 48, and Stephanie R. Lindsey, aged 52, have been indicted on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with Lindsey also facing tax fraud charges and Banes additionals charges of making false statements to the FBI.
With a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the case is still unfolding as the accused await their day in court. The state's legal machinery, spearheaded by Assistant U.S Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson, is expected to mount a comprehensive case.
