Georgia Democrat state legislator Sharon Henderson has been arrested after a federal grand jury indicted her on multiple counts related to pandemic unemployment fraud.
Henderson, who represents District 113, was arrested on Monday morning and charged with two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements, according to the Department of Justice.
DOJ: Henderson Lied Repeatedly to Obtain Pandemic Benefits
Federal prosecutors say Henderson applied for federal pandemic-era unemployment benefits in June 2020 while she was a candidate for the Georgia House.
In her application, Henderson allegedly claimed she was employed by Henry County Schools.
According to the DOJ:
“In June 2020, while a candidate for a Georgia House seat, Henderson allegedly applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits, claiming that her current employer was Henry County Schools.
“Although Henderson had worked as a substitute teacher for Henry County Schools for five days in 2018 (almost two years prior), she had not worked for Henry County Schools since then.”
Prosecutors say Henderson signed a 2018 Substitute Teacher Agreement acknowledging that substitute teachers are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
Despite this, she allegedly claimed in her application that:
• She had worked for Henry County Schools throughout 2019
• She had recently been employed there as of March 10, 2020
• She possessed paystubs proving 2019 employment
• Her workplace was closed due to the COVID-19 emergency
Investigators say these statements were false.
Prosecutors: Fraud Continued Even After She Took Office
The indictment alleges Henderson submitted eight additional weekly certifications in June 2021, after she was sworn in as a state representative, claiming she could not reach her workplace due to quarantine.
In total, prosecutors say she collected $17,811 in pandemic benefits she was not entitled to receive.
Federal Officials: “Shocking” Abuse of Public Trust
Multiple federal officials condemned Henderson’s alleged conduct.
United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said:
“It is shocking that a public official would allegedly lie to profit from an emergency program designed to help suffering community members.
“Politicians who violate the public trust and steal from the needy to enrich themselves will be held accountable.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added:
“Sharon Henderson allegedly chose greed over compassion by fraudulently obtaining funds meant to help those in need, some in her own Georgia House district.
“We remain committed to find those who take advantage of federal programs meant to help those truly in need.”
Mathew Broadhurst of the U.S. Department of Labor OIG said:
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations.”
Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange concluded:
“Nobody is above the law, especially Georgia’s elected officials.
“This indictment should send a clear message that theft of government funds intended for qualified citizens will not be tolerated.”
Henderson has not yet commented publicly.
READ MORE – Whistleblower: Somali Fraudsters Stole Millions from Taxpayers in Maine
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.