Sharon Henderson, a Georgia State Representative, was arrested following a federal grand jury indictment on charges of theft of government funds and making false statements related to pandemic unemployment benefits. Henderson is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand and is anticipated to plead not guilty.
United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case: “It is shocking that a public official would allegedly lie to profit from an emergency program designed to help suffering community members. Politicians who violate the public trust and steal from the needy to enrich themselves will be held accountable.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated, “Sharon Henderson allegedly chose greed over compassion by fraudulently obtaining funds meant to help those in need, some in her own Georgia House district. We remain committed to find those who take advantage of federal programs meant to help those truly in need.”
Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent in Charge for the Southeast Region of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, said, “An important part of the mission of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving unemployment insurance programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations.”
Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange added, “Nobody is above the law, especially Georgia’s elected officials. This indictment should send a clear message that theft of government funds intended for qualified citizens will not be tolerated. GA-OIG appreciates the efforts of our state and federal partners in bringing this case for prosecution.”
According to court information provided by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, special unemployment compensation programs were created by Congress in 2020 as a response to economic hardship caused by COVID-19 business closures. Applicants had to certify their employment status and reason for unemployment due to COVID-19.
Henderson allegedly applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits in June 2020 while running for office, claiming recent employment with Henry County Schools despite having last worked there as a substitute teacher for five days in 2018—nearly two years earlier—and being aware that substitute teachers were not eligible for unemployment wages under her agreement signed at that time.
She reportedly submitted applications stating she worked at Henry County Schools throughout 2019 and up until March 10, 2020, supported by claims she had paystubs from 2019 and that her workplace was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. After taking office as state representative for District 113—which includes western Newton County and part of Covington—she continued submitting weekly certifications through June 2021 asserting inability to work due to quarantine.
Authorities allege that these actions led Henderson to collect $17,811 in benefits she was not entitled to receive.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Georgia Office of the State Inspector General, and DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice established a COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force on May 17, 2021 (https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus) aimed at coordinating efforts across agencies against pandemic-related fraud schemes domestically and internationally.
Members of the public can report suspected COVID-19 relief fraud via phone or online form through the National Center for Disaster Fraud (https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form).
Henderson remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
