Former Georgia lawmaker sentenced in COVID unemployment fraud case

Former state Rep. Dexter Sharper, D-Valdosta, was sentenced Monday after he admitted to making false statements to receive COVID-19 pandemic unemployment benefits, according to WABE. 

Sharper is the second Georgia lawmaker sentenced for pandemic-related unemployment fraud.

U.S. District Judge Mark Cohen sentenced Sharper to “time served,” which was his time spent being booked by federal authorities. Sharper will also pay restitution of $10,096 and a $2,000 fine.

Sharper admitted to collecting $13,825 in unemployment benefits. The remaining restitution is the amount Sharper had not already paid back.

Sharper addressed the judge Monday, taking responsibility and apologizing for his actions to everyone involved.

Sharper’s case is one of three involving former Georgia lawmakers and pandemic unemployment fraud. State Rep. Karen Bennett, D-Stone Mountain, took a similar deal as Sharper in April and resigned earlier in the year. 

State Rep. Sharon Henderson, D-Covington, also pleaded guilty, but she did not resign. Gov. Brian Kemp suspended her from office. Her sentencing is set for Dec. 2.