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Two Georgia state lawmakers — former Rep. Karen Bennett and Rep. Sharon Henderson — now face federal charges accusing them of bilking pandemic unemployment programs that were meant for struggling Americans. Federal prosecutors say the allegations involve false statements and theft of government funds tied to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance during 2020, and both women have pleaded not guilty as the wheels of justice begin to turn. This is a stark reminder that no one, including elected officials, should be above the law.
Prosecutors allege Karen Bennett collected roughly $13,940 by certifying she couldn’t work during COVID while continuing to run her business and failing to report additional income from a church and legislative pay. Court filings say her administrative work for Metro Therapy Providers continued from a home office, undermining claims that she was prevented from working by pandemic restrictions; Bennett resigned her seat at the end of December and was released on $10,000 bond. Whether or not she is ultimately convicted, the allegations paint a picture of someone who exploited a program created to help the truly needy.
Sharon Henderson was indicted in December on multiple counts alleging she falsely claimed substitute-teacher employment and submitted weekly certifications to collect about $17,811 in benefits, including filings made after she had already been sworn into the Georgia House. Federal prosecutors and investigators from the FBI and the Department of Labor say she reported nonexistent 2019 and 2020 work and even certified COVID quarantine excuses while serving in office. Those are serious charges — theft of government funds and multiple false-statement counts — and they deserve the full prosecutorial scrutiny being applied.
Investigators say these cases are not isolated, and the state and federal probes may reach other legislators, prompting questions about how many public servants thought they could treat federal relief like a personal slush fund. Under state rules, suspension and other disciplinary steps are on the table while the legal process unfolds, and Governor Brian Kemp may be called to act to protect taxpayers and the integrity of the legislature. Americans deserve a legislature focused on serving constituencies, not lining pockets with ill-gotten federal dollars.
This is about more than two names on an indictment; it’s about trust. Both women are Democrats, and the optics of party leaders or lawmakers taking advantage of pandemic relief will be seized upon by voters who expected their representatives to lead with integrity. Conservatives should demand not only prosecutions where warranted but also systemic reforms to prevent future abuse of emergency programs by anyone in power.
Taxpayers paid for those benefits, and hardworking Americans deserve to see those funds returned and those responsible held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. State and federal authorities must follow the evidence promptly and transparently so Georgians can have confidence their leaders are serving the public, not themselves. It’s time for audits, recoveries, and a renewed commitment to ethics so that when emergencies strike again, help goes only to the deserving, not the dishonest.
