In brief
Karen Bennett of Stone Mountain, a former Georgia state representative, has been charged with making false statements to unlawfully receive $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits during COVID-19. Prosecutors allege she misrepresented her work status with her therapy business. She is the second Democratic legislator involved in similar accusations as investigations into employment benefit fraud continue in the state.
ATLANTA — In a significant development, a second former Georgia state House member has been indicted for unemployment fraud amid the pandemic. Karen Bennett, who previously represented parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, faces federal charges for allegedly lying to collect $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits.Federal prosecutors announced the charges, indicating that Bennett made false statements about her employment status, claiming she was unable to work due to COVID-19 quarantine measures for her company, Metro Therapy Providers. However, it is alleged that her role was mostly administrative, allowing her to work from a home office, and that the company continued to operate throughout the pandemic.Bennett has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $10,000 bond. Her legal troubles arise just days after her resignation from the state House, which she entered in 2012 as a member of the Democratic Party. This incident follows closely on the heels of another case involving fellow Democratic lawmaker Sharon Henderson who was indicted last December under similar circumstances.U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg has indicated that the investigation into fraudulent claims may extend to additional state legislators, leaving the door open for more potential charges. Bennett is also accused of failing to disclose that she was receiving supplemental income from her role as a minister, further complicating her case.As state politics continue to evolve, Republican Governor Brian Kemp is anticipated to appoint successors for both Bennett and another resigned lawmaker, Lynn Heffner, leading to a necessary special election to fill these vacancies. The fallout from this situation may prompt deeper questions regarding ethical standards within the Georgia legislature and the ongoing scrutiny of federal unemployment programs initiated during the pandemic.
