CRIME & LAW

Georgia lawmaker indicted for pandemic unemployment benefits fraud

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 5

Center 80%

Rigt 20%

Sources: 5

Atlanta — Federal prosecutors indicted Georgia state Representative Sharon Henderson on charges she fraudulently collected pandemic unemployment benefits. The U.S. Attorney's Office says a grand jury returned counts charging two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements, alleging Henderson claimed work with Henry County Schools despite only substitute work in 2018. Authorities say she received about $17,800 and was arrested and scheduled for court; she pleaded not guilty. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Timeline

2018 — Henderson worked five days as a substitute teacher for Henry County Schools.
June 2020 — While a candidate, she applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits listing Henry County Schools.
2020 — Prosecutors say she submitted weekly certifications claiming inability to work due to COVID-19.
2024 (reported) — A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging two theft and ten false-statement counts.
2024 (reported) — Henderson was arrested, pleaded not guilty, and was scheduled for an initial federal court appearance.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

Federal prosecutors and fraud oversight entities benefited from increased enforcement visibility and a publicized example of pandemic-era benefit investigations.

Who Suffered

Constituents of District 113, Representative Sharon Henderson, and public trust in local representation suffered reputational harm and potential legal consequences.

Expert Opinion