Another Democrat Lawmaker Indicted for Fraud in Georgia
by David Hawkins
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: