Georgia State Representative Dexter L. Sharper, a Democrat, has been charged with allegedly defrauding the government by collecting unemployment assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic while working multiple jobs, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
Sharper reportedly applied for unemployment benefits for April and May 2020, claiming he had only one employer—his party rental business—even though he was allegedly earning income from at least two or three jobs each week, including his role in the Georgia General Assembly and occasional work as a musician.
Per the allegations, Sharper collected $13,825 in benefits he was not entitled to. Weekly, he earned $325 from the Georgia General Assembly, up to $2,231 from his party rental business, and an additional $275 for musical work. Despite these earnings, Sharper repeatedly certified that he was unemployed, actively looking for work, and had not refused any work.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned the alleged actions, saying, “While many of his constituents and fellow citizens were losing jobs and desperately needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic, Representative Sharper allegedly pretended to be out of work to collect a share of unemployment benefits for himself. When government officials lie to take money, and do it while holding an elected office, it violates the trust of citizens and weakens faith in our elected government.”
Sharper is the third Georgia House Democrat to face pandemic unemployment fraud charges. Rep. Sharon Henderson was charged with theft of government funds and making false statements in December and was recently suspended by Gov. Brian Kemp. Former Rep. Karen Bennett resigned before her charges and later pleaded guilty to making false statements in January.
Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange described the conduct as “disgraceful” and said it should “shock and repulse every citizen.”
This case underscores the ongoing problem of pandemic-related fraud and highlights the breach of public trust when elected officials attempt to exploit relief programs intended for struggling Americans.
