Another Georgia Democrat Faces Fraud Charges

The Justice Department has wrapped up a noteworthy sequence of fraud cases involving Georgia Democrats. A third official has now been charged with improperly securing unemployment benefits.

Democratic Representative Dexter Sharper was indicted on Friday for allegedly making false statements to fraudulently obtain thousands in pandemic-related unemployment funds while still employed.

He reportedly claimed to be unemployed and earning around $13,825, but evidence suggests he was actually raking in approximately $2,231 weekly from one job and an extra $275 weekly as a musician. After applying for benefits, he continued to falsely assert that he was not working to keep receiving unemployment support.

U.S. Attorney Theodore Herzberg stated, “Congressman Sharper allegedly pretended to be unemployed during a pandemic when many of his constituents were losing jobs and in desperate need of assistance. Lying to receive money while in office is a serious breach of public trust.”

Previously, another Georgia Democrat, Karen Bennett, was arrested for pilfering fraudulent unemployment benefits. She resigned before pleading guilty to charges of making false statements while stealing $13,940.

A second case involved state Representative Sharon Henderson, who was indicted on similar allegations of appropriating $17,811 in pandemic funds.

Inspector General Nigel Lange expressed his discontent, remarking on the disgraceful behavior of elected officials and emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Charging documents revealed that Sharper founded businesses, including “Sharper Bounce Houses & More,” showcasing his entrepreneurial side. He and his wife are parents to four children.