A Democrat Georgia state lawmaker has been charged in a federal case alleging he fraudulently collected pandemic unemployment benefits while simultaneously earning income from multiple jobs.
State Rep. Dexter Sharper (D-GA) is accused of making false statements to obtain emergency pandemic unemployment assistance, according to an announcement from federal prosecutors.
The charges make Sharper the third Georgia Democrat to be indicted in connection with alleged pandemic assistance fraud.
Sharper, who represents parts of Lowndes County in Georgia’s House District 177, allegedly collected $13,825 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled.
According to prosecutors, Sharper applied for unemployment benefits in April 2020, claiming he had not worked at his business, Dexter Sharper Party Rental, since March 13, 2020.
From that point through May 2021, he submitted 38 weekly certifications stating that he had not worked, earned no wages, was actively seeking employment, and had not refused any work opportunities.
Investigators say those claims were false.
Federal authorities allege that during the same period, Sharper was earning income from multiple sources, including:
• His legislative salary, totaling approximately $17,000 per year
• Ongoing work operating Dexter Sharper Party Rental
• Employment as a substitute teacher for Lowndes County Schools
Records from the Georgia Department of Labor and other agencies confirmed that Sharper earned income from two, and sometimes three, jobs in the same weeks he was certifying that he was unemployed, prosecutors said.
Sharper, 54, appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard in Atlanta for an arraignment hearing.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, with investigative support from the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office and the Georgia Office of the State Inspector General, according to the Justice Department.
“The allegations that Representative Sharper exploited his position for personal gain are disgraceful,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.
“He allegedly abused a program that was intended to provide relief to those in need during a time of national crisis.”
Sharper has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2017 after first winning election to the Valdosta-area district in 2016.
Before entering politics, he owned and operated Dexter Sharper Party Rental and also worked in education as a substitute teacher.
The case is the third involving a Georgia state lawmaker accused of pandemic unemployment fraud.
Former State Rep. Karen Bennett (D-GA), who left office in January, pleaded guilty last week to making false statements to obtain pandemic unemployment assistance.
State Rep. Sharon Henderson (D-GA) was indicted in December on charges of theft of government funds and making false statements.
Henderson was later suspended at the direction of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
Federal authorities have not announced a sentencing date in Sharper’s case.
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