Overview

• Mello created a fake organization to fraudulently secure grant money intended for military children.
• She purchased 82 vehicles, multiple properties, and luxury items including $923,000 of jewelry in one day.
• Mello pleaded guilty to mail fraud and filing false tax returns, receiving a 15-year federal prison sentence.
• Her actions were uncovered due to discrepancies between her reported income and extravagant spending.
• Defense claims Mello is remorseful and hopes to reimburse the government by selling her assets.