CRIME & LAW

Third Georgia lawmaker charged in pandemic unemployment fraud

PUBLISHED Jan 30, 2026, 12:50 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Third Georgia lawmaker charged in pandemic unemployment fraud

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 86%

Right 14%

Sources: 7

Atlanta prosecutors charged state Rep. Dexter Sharper with making false statements to obtain $13,825 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits, authorities announced Friday. Sharper allegedly certified he had not worked since March 13, 2020, submitting 38 weekly claims while earning income from the Georgia General Assembly, a party rental business and musical performances. He was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard and faces federal counts based on Department of Justice and Georgia inspector general findings. U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said the charges reflect a broader investigation into lawmakers’ pandemic benefit claims. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

March 13, 2020: Sharper allegedly stopped reporting work and later claimed unemployment.
2020 (subsequent weeks): Sharper submitted 38 weekly certifications asserting no income.
December (prior reporting): U.S. Attorney warned of expanding investigations into lawmakers' pandemic claims.
Friday (reported): DOJ charged Sharper with making false statements to obtain $13,825.
Friday (reported): Sharper was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Federal prosecutors, oversight agencies and taxpayers benefit from enforcement that seeks to recover misallocated pandemic funds and reinforces program integrity.

Who Impacted

Rep. Dexter Sharper, his constituents' trust and potentially taxpayers suffered reputational harm and legal exposure if allegations are upheld.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 86%, Right 14%

Who Benefited

Federal prosecutors, oversight agencies and taxpayers benefit from enforcement that seeks to recover misallocated pandemic funds and reinforces program integrity.

Who Impacted

Rep. Dexter Sharper, his constituents' trust and potentially taxpayers suffered reputational harm and legal exposure if allegations are upheld.