Georgia Rep Indicted for Fraudulent Unemployment Benefits Claim

Georgia State Rep. Sharon Henderson has been indicted on charges of allegedly stealing more than $17,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits by falsely claiming she was unable to work due to COVID-19. The federal grand jury brought the indictment after finding that Mrs. Henderson submitted multiple false claims for unemployment during the COVID-related economic crisis.

According to prosecutors, Mrs. Henderson applied for federal unemployment programs in mid-2020 while running for office and asserted she had lost her job because of the pandemic. However, investigators revealed that she did not actually qualify as initially believed; reports indicate that she held only a brief position as a substitute teacher years prior, information explicitly acknowledged by investigators to show ineligible status.

Further allegations state that Mrs. Henderson continued this fraud even after being elected, with eight fraudulent claims submitted while serving in the legislature, all falsely stating COVID-19 related work absences. This systematic deception allowed her to collect approximately $17,811 from government programs intended for those genuinely affected by the pandemic.

Federal agencies have condemned the misuse of emergency relief funds. The U.S. Attorney emphasized that public officials who exploit programs designed for vulnerable populations undermine community support efforts during a national crisis. Similarly, the FBI highlighted its commitment to investigating fraud in essential economic support systems, warning others not to take advantage of such measures.

Mrs. Henderson is expected to face charges following her scheduled appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand and will be required to enter a plea shortly. While she faces legal consequences for this alleged misconduct, the indictment does not imply guilt and she remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise.