Georgia House Democrats Resign Amid Fraud Charges
Several Democratic members of Georgia’s House of Representatives have stepped down as they confront federal accusations related to allegedly fraudulent claims for coronavirus relief funds.
On Monday, federal prosecutors announced the indictment of former state representative Karen Bennett, alleging that she falsely claimed nearly $14,000 in pandemic assistance.
It is claimed that Bennett did not disclose $905 weekly payments from her church while applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
Bennett, who runs a physical therapy business named Metro Therapy, applied for PUA funds in May 2020, stating she could not work since April 10 due to quarantine and other pandemic restrictions, as detailed in court records.
She was later approved for the funds.
Records from the court reveal that Bennett certified from March to August 2020 that she had no income apart from the $300 she received weekly from her role in the Georgia General Assembly. However, prosecutors assert that Bennett maintained a paycheck throughout the pandemic thanks to her management role at Metro Therapy, where she worked from home.
“She was working normally from home throughout the pandemic, and therapists providing hands-on services could continue their work after brief interruptions,” stated the prosecutors in their charging documents.
Bennett reportedly collected a total of $13,940 in PUA and other federal funds that prosecutors allege were fraudulently obtained. A false statement charge has been levied against her.
In court on Monday, Bennett pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. Notably, many defendants in federal cases who initially waive charges tend to eventually plead guilty.
On Thursday, just days before her indictment, Bennett officially resigned from her position serving Georgia’s 94th District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. She was first elected in 2012.
Her resignation was also submitted to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. In the resignation letter dated December 30, there was no mention of potential criminal charges or a detailed explanation for her departure. Instead, she expressed pride in the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly and stated, “Serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love and one I will miss.”
A spokesperson for Bennett’s former office did not provide comments. Meanwhile, Bennett has not responded to inquiries from various news outlets.
Bennett is now the second Georgia Democrat indicted for fraudulently acquiring pandemic relief funds. Last month, state representative Sharon Henderson was arrested, accused of falsely claiming nearly $18,000 by stating she was a substitute teacher, a position she had not held since 2018.
Henderson faces charges related to theft of government funds and making false statements but remains in her position.
Before Christmas, Henderson had posted a note on social media soliciting donations for a crowdfunding account to help her “continue to seek justice after recent events.”
