Pandemic Fraud Adds to Scrutiny of Georgia Legislature, Latest Case from the Capital

ATLANTA, GA — Federal prosecutors on Friday announced fraud charges against a third sitting Georgia lawmaker, deepening concerns about misuse of pandemic relief funds by elected officials entrusted to serve the public. State Rep. Dexter L. Sharper, 54, is accused of improperly collecting nearly $14,000 in unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to earn income from multiple sources, including his legislative salary. The charges place Sharper among a growing list of Georgia lawmakers facing federal scrutiny for alleged abuse of emergency assistance programs.

According to court filings, Sharper received $13,825 in pandemic unemployment assistance between April 2020 and May 2021. Prosecutors say he did so by repeatedly certifying that he was unemployed and had no income, despite maintaining paid work throughout that period.

Federal authorities allege Sharper submitted 38 weekly claims asserting he had no earnings and was actively seeking employment. At the same time, he was earning income as a member of the Georgia General Assembly, operating a party rental business, and performing as a musician.

Investigators contend Sharper’s party rental business continued operating during the period in question, generating thousands of dollars in weekly revenue. He also received weekly compensation for legislative service and additional income for musical performances, according to prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg framed the case as a betrayal of public trust, noting that pandemic unemployment funds were intended for Georgians who lost jobs due to widespread shutdowns. He said the alleged conduct is particularly troubling given Sharper’s position as an elected official responsible for crafting and overseeing public policy.

Sharper represents House District 177 in Lowndes County. In his original unemployment application, he listed his party rental company as his sole employer and claimed he had stopped working in March 2020.

The Valdosta resident appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard for his initial court appearance. The case remains ongoing.

The charges against Sharper follow earlier federal cases involving two other Georgia state representatives, Karen Bennett and Sharon Henderson, underscoring what prosecutors describe as a broader effort to root out pandemic-related fraud — including by those in positions of power. Bennett has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, and a special election has been scheduled to choose a new representative for her district. Henderson has been suspended from office by the governor pending the resolution of the case against her.