Georgia State Representative Karen Bennett, a Democrat, has been arrested and charged with fraud related to COVID-19 unemployment benefits.
• Indictment Details: Bennett was indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements regarding pandemic unemployment assistance. She received $13,940 for her business, Metro Therapy Providers, which she claimed was not operating during the pandemic.
• Business Operations: Investigators found that her business was only briefly closed and remained open for most of the pandemic.
• Non-disclosure of Income: Bennett reported only her income from her business and the Georgia General Assembly on her application but failed to mention additional earnings from a church job, earning over $900 weekly.
• Bond and Previous Cases: Bennett was released on a $10,000 bond. She is the second Georgia lawmaker charged with this type of fraud in a month; State Rep. Sharon Henderson was also indicted for COVID-related fraud with multiple charges of theft and false statements.
• Political Context: The article highlights Bennett's advocacy for Black Lives Matter and police reform, and includes a general criticism directed at the Democratic Party regarding these fraud cases.
Karen Bennett’s indictment reveals serious allegations of fraud against a state official and continues a troubling trend with multiple lawmakers facing similar charges in Georgia. This incident raises concerns about accountability among public officials in relation to federal aid programs.
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