A third member of the Georgia House of Representatives is facing federal charges for allegedly lying to obtain unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rep. Dexter L. Sharper, a Democrat who represents Georgia House District 177, has been accused of making false statements to collect funds administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, according to federal prosecutors.
Investigators allege that Sharper applied for unemployment benefits between April 2020 and May 2021, claiming Dexter Sharper Party Rental was his only employer and stating he had not worked since March 13, 2020. Prosecutors say Sharper submitted 38 weekly certifications asserting he was unemployed and actively seeking work.
However, authorities allege that during the same period, the Valdosta lawmaker was working as a member of the Georgia General Assembly, operating his party rental business, and performing as a musician.
Prosecutors say Sharper collected more than $13,000 in unemployment assistance benefits as a result of the alleged false claims.
“While many of his constituents were losing jobs and desperately needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic, Representative Sharper allegedly pretended to be out of work to collect benefits for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “When elected officials lie to take government funds, it undermines public trust and weakens confidence in government.”
Sharper is the third Democratic state lawmaker to face charges related to alleged pandemic unemployment fraud.
In December, Rep. Sharon Henderson was charged with two counts of theft of government funds and 10 counts of making false statements. She was suspended from office last week by Gov. Brian Kemp.
Former Rep. Karen Bennett resigned shortly before being charged and pleaded guilty earlier this month to making false statements connected to unemployment benefits.
