A former Democratic state lawmaker from Georgia resigned her seat just days before being charged with fraudulently receiving nearly $14,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits, according to federal prosecutors.
Karen Bennett, a former representative from Stone Mountain, is accused of illegally exploiting the COVID-19 unemployment relief program. She is the second Georgia House Democrat to face such allegations, following the recent arrest of Rep. Sharon Henderson of Covington on similar charges.
Bennett, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy, is accused of submitting fraudulent claims connected to her business, Metro Therapy Providers. According to charging documents filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Bennett applied for federal pandemic relief funds in May 2020, listing both the Georgia General Assembly and her private company as employers.
Prosecutors allege Bennett falsely claimed she was unable to work due to pandemic restrictions. Court records state that Bennett’s role at Metro Therapy was administrative, performed from a home office, and did not involve in-home physical therapy services. Authorities say she was able to continue working throughout the pandemic and was not restricted by public health guidelines.
Federal prosecutors also allege Bennett failed to disclose separate employment with a church, which reportedly paid her $905 per week while she was collecting unemployment benefits.
Bennett is charged with one count of making false statements related to unemployment benefits. She has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $10,000 bond. She did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, Bennett, first elected in 2012, did not cite the allegations as the reason for stepping down. She praised the work of the General Assembly and described her service as “a labor of love.”
Meanwhile, Henderson has not resigned and has publicly maintained her innocence, seeking donations to fight what she called wrongful accusations. Another Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Lynn Heffner of Augusta, also resigned effective Monday, citing hurricane damage to her home and residency requirements.
With the recent departures, the Georgia House now consists of 98 Republicans and 79 Democrats. Gov. Kemp is expected to call special elections to fill the vacant seats, though no timeline has been announced.
