Former Georgia state Rep. Karen Bennett, a Democrat, pleaded guilty in federal court to fraud charges stemming from her improper collection of pandemic-era unemployment benefits.
The guilty plea comes just weeks after the six-term Democrat lawmaker stepped down from office.
Bennett, 70, admitted to the charge in an Atlanta federal courtroom.
She was charged with one count of making false statements in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
The program was created to provide financial relief to individuals affected by pandemic-related disruptions who were not eligible for traditional unemployment insurance.
According to the indictment, Bennett submitted an application in May 2020 claiming that pandemic quarantine restrictions prevented her from performing work for Metro Therapy Providers, Inc., a physical therapy business she owned that provided in-home services.
She also listed her position in the Georgia General Assembly as a source of employment.
Federal prosecutors said those representations were inaccurate.
Court filings state that Bennett operated her therapy business from a home office and did not rely on in-person client interactions in the manner described, meaning her work was not halted as claimed.
As a result of the false statements, Bennett received $13,940 in PUA benefits and related federal supplements to which she was not entitled, prosecutors said.
Bennett represented Georgia House District 94, which includes parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
She served six terms in the legislature and concluded her tenure on January 1, 2026, ahead of the start of the new legislative session.
During her time in office, Bennett served on several committees, including Health and Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and participated in local legislative delegations.
She also held leadership roles with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and was involved in community health initiatives.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, federal prosecutors have agreed to recommend that Bennett not receive a prison sentence.
Instead, they will seek full restitution of the $13,940, plus any applicable interest, to the Georgia Department of Labor.
Bennett had faced a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison before entering the guilty plea.
Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross.
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