A former Georgia lawmaker finds herself in legal trouble, facing fraud charges tied to pandemic-era benefits. This comes on the heels of a significant alleged fraud scheme in Minnesota involving numerous individuals accused of misusing federal funds intended to feed children.
Karen Bennett, who once served as a Democratic state representative, stands accused of improperly obtaining $13,940 in federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is detailed in a criminal document submitted to federal court.
Bennett represented parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, areas that include Atlanta, after her election in 2012. Her tenure ended with her retirement at the start of this year.
The allegations suggest that Bennett began filing claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA) in April 2020. The PUA was specifically designed to help individuals unable to work due to the pandemic and who did not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
This program was a lifeline for many during the crisis, particularly those who were self-employed, worked gigs, or operated as independent contractors but found themselves ineligible for standard unemployment support.
Americans who were self-employed, worked gigs, or were independent contractors could apply for PUA if they were denied unemployment.
When Bennett was denied unemployment, she filed for PUA, listing her two employers as the Georgia General Assembly and Metro Therapy, according to court documents.
She allegedly lied on her application, claiming she couldn’t work at Metro Therapy during quarantine.
Former Democratic Representative Karen Bennett is accused of claiming almost $14,000 in federal benefits that she wasn’t qualified for
Georgia state Representative Sharon Henderson faces accusations of fraud for falsely claiming benefits during the pandemic
The two Georgia lawmakers allegedly falsely claimed money intended for those struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic (Pictured: Georgia State Capitol Building, file photo)
However, prosecutors argue that Bennett’s role at the therapy center was administrative and that she worked from her home office.
Bennett allegedly disclosed that she was receiving $300 per week for her role as a representative, but failed to report that she was also receiving $905 for a position at her church.
The representative also allegedly claimed she was seeking work and needed federal benefits.
However, prosecutors have argued that it was a lie, and she could’ve continued working from home at Metro Therapy during the pandemic.
Bennett sent a letter to Governor Brian Kemp on December 30 announcing that her last day in the legislature would be January 1.
‘I am proud of the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly when we came together to advance policies that strengthened our state and improved the lives of all Georgians,’ she said in the letter obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
‘Serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love, and one I will deeply miss.’
The US Department of Justice filed charges against Bennett just four days after her last day in office.
Bennett allegedly lied about her income on a federal application for benefits to receive assistance during the pandemic
Henderson allegedly claimed she couldn’t work as a substitute teacher during the pandemic. However, prosecutors allege that she hadn’t been employed with the school district for years
She has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The Daily Mail has reached out to her representation for comment.
Bennett is now the second Democratic Georgia lawmaker to face accusations of fraudulent behavior during the pandemic.
State representative Sharon Henderson was arrested in early December for illegally collecting $18,000 in benefits she wasn’t entitled to.
Henderson allegedly applied for PUA benefits while running for office and claimed she was employed by Henry County Schools as a substitute teacher.
Prosecutors argued that Henderson had worked as a substitute only five times and hadn’t taught in the district since 2018.
Henderson was released on bail and pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The Daily Mail has reached out to her representation for comment.
‘It is shocking that a public official would allegedly lie to profit from an emergency program designed to help suffering community members,’ US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in a statement at the time.
‘Politicians who violate the public trust and steal from the needy to enrich themselves will be held accountable.’
Georgia is now the second state facing allegations of fraud involving benefits intended for those struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.
Bennett wrote a letter to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in December, notifying him of her retirement before charges were filed against her
Two individuals from Minnesota were convicted for a fraud scheme involving federal assistance funds
Prosecutors began uncovering the multi-million-dollar fraud scheme in 2022, investigating officials at the Feeding Our Future nonprofit.
The two ring leaders of the scheme, Aimee Bock and Salim Said, were found guilty last March for helping to steal $250 million in federal aid intended for needy children.
Bock was convicted of seven federal charges, while Said was convicted of 20, including bribery and money laundering.
Federal prosecutors have charged around 70 individuals in the fraud case. Thirty-seven have pleaded guilty, and five were convicted.
