A Democratic lawmaker in Georgia has been formally charged by federal authorities in connection with an alleged scheme involving pandemic-era unemployment benefits, according to court records.
State Rep. Karen Bennett, who represents the Stone Mountain area, was indicted this week by a federal grand jury on accusations that she improperly received COVID-19 unemployment assistance while her business continued operating.
Prosecutors allege Bennett collected approximately $14,000 in federal unemployment payments for her in-home physical therapy company, Metro Therapy Providers. Investigators contend the business was only briefly interrupted and remained active for much of the COVID-19 pandemic, contradicting claims made in her benefits application.
According to the indictment, Bennett reported income from her therapy business and her position in the Georgia General Assembly but did not disclose additional earnings. Federal authorities say she was also employed through a church and received weekly compensation exceeding $900, which was not included in her application.
Bennett is charged with one count of making false statements to the federal government. She was released after posting a $10,000 bond, local station WSB-TV reported. The case remains pending in federal court.
The indictment marks the second time in recent weeks that a Georgia state lawmaker has faced criminal charges related to pandemic relief programs. Last month, another Democratic legislator, Sharon Henderson, was arrested following a separate federal investigation.
Henderson was charged with multiple counts, including theft of government funds and making false statements, after prosecutors alleged she unlawfully received COVID-19 unemployment benefits despite being ineligible.
Federal officials have continued reviewing pandemic assistance claims nationwide, as authorities examine cases involving potential fraud tied to emergency relief programs enacted during the public health crisis.
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