South Georgia lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

A third Georgia state lawmaker was charged Friday with unemployment fraud in a pandemic-era safety net program. Rep. Dexter Sharper, a Valdosta Democrat, was arraigned Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release. Sharper faces federal charges of making false statements to obtain nearly $14,000 in […]

Valdosta Democrat Rep. Dexter Sharper allegedly made false statements to obtain thousands in unemployment assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

A third Georgia state lawmaker was charged Friday with unemployment fraud in a pandemic-era safety net program.

Rep. Dexter Sharper, a Valdosta Democrat, was arraigned Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release. Sharper faces federal charges of making false statements to obtain nearly $14,000 in unemployment assistance that Congress allocated to help those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Justice and the Georgia State Inspector General issued a series of strongly worded statements, calling the case a “disgraceful” betrayal of the public and alleging that Sharper exploited his position for personal gain.

“While many of his constituents and fellow citizens were losing jobs and desperately needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic, Rep. Sharper allegedly pretended to be out of work to collect a share of unemployment benefits for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “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.”

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Sharper declined to comment Friday on the advice of his attorney, calling it “an ongoing legal matter.” A spokesperson for the Georgia House Democratic Caucus also declined to comment.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sharper applied for unemployment benefits from April 2020 until May 2021. In his application, Sharper allegedly claimed he had not worked at Dexter Sharper Party Rental since March 13, 2020. During that time, Sharper allegedly submitted 38 separate weekly certifications, each claiming he had not worked, had not earned any wages, was actively seeking employment and had not refused any work opportunities.

But federal officials allege that Sharper was earning income from at least two jobs during that time. He received at least $325 every week from the Georgia General Assembly as a state representative. His business, Dexter Sharper Party Rental, was allegedly operational and generating up to $2,231 in weekly income. He was also allegedly collecting up to $275 per week for his work as a musician.

Sharper is now the third Georgia state representative to be entangled in U.S. Department of Justice investigations into pandemic-related fraud. Democratic Rep. Karen Bennett of Stone Mountain and Rep. Sharon Henderson, a Covington Democrat, were both accused of defrauding the same program. Bennett resigned days before authorities charged her in early January and has since pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain the aid, while Henderson was recently suspended from office.

“These charges point to some disgraceful conduct at the highest level, which should shock and repulse every citizen. The alleged activities describe a disgusting abuse by an elected official who appeared to trade his integrity for money destined for those in need,” said Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange in the press release, calling it “shameful.”

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