Sharon Henderson, a Democratic state representative from Georgia, was arrested and charged with defrauding the federal government related to pandemic unemployment benefits.
• Arrest Details: Henderson was arrested on a Monday and faces charges of theft of government funds and making false statements to the federal government.
• Fraud Allegations: She is accused of applying for federal pandemic unemployment benefits in June 2020, falsely claiming she was employed by Henry County Schools at the time.
• Employment Misrepresentation: Although she had worked as a substitute teacher for only five days in 2018, she falsely stated she had been employed by the school system throughout 2019 and up until March 10, 2020.
• Unemployment Eligibility: The Substitute Teacher Agreement she signed clarified that substitute teachers are not eligible for unemployment benefits, a fact she allegedly ignored in her application.
• Certification Submissions: While serving as a state representative, Henderson submitted weekly certifications claiming she could not reach work due to a COVID-19 quarantine, in reality, she was not eligible for the benefits.
• Financial Gains: As a result of her false claims, Henderson is accused of collecting $17,811 in unemployment benefits improperly.
Official Responses
• U. S. Attorney's Statement: Theodore S. Hertzberg expressed shock that a public official would supposedly lie to benefit from a program meant for the needy, emphasizing accountability for such actions.
• FBI's Commitment: Paul Brown, an FBI official, highlighted the ongoing effort to investigate individuals who exploit programs designed to aid those genuinely in need.
• Department of Labor's Approach: Mathew Broadhurst from the U. S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General reaffirmed their commitment to investigate unemployment fraud aggressively.
• State Officials' Remarks: Nigel Lange, Georgia State Inspector General, stated that the case should serve as a warning that theft of government funds will not be tolerated, emphasizing that no elected official is above the law.
Sharon Henderson’s case reflects serious allegations of fraud against a public official, emphasizing accountability and integrity within government roles. The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding public trust, especially during times of crisis.
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