In a troubling trend for the Georgia Democratic Party, former State Representative Karen Bennett has resigned following charges of fraud. This marks the second significant fallout for Democrats in Georgia within just two months. Bennett, from Stone Mountain, is accused of improperly obtaining $14,000 in COVID unemployment benefits. The Georgia Recorder reports that she failed to disclose crucial employment details, specifically that she had a church job earning $905 a week while claiming pandemic benefits.
Bennett’s time with Metro Therapy Providers, a company she operates, appears to have been misrepresented in her application for benefits. Though she claimed that her work providing in-home physical therapy services had been disrupted by the pandemic, court documents present a different narrative. Records indicate that Bennett’s primary role before and during the pandemic was administrative. According to a charging document, she “did not provide in-home services for clients” and “was able to continue working as usual from her home.” This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of her claims and the integrity of her actions.
Bennett’s situation mirrors that of another Democratic representative, Sharon Henderson, who is under investigation for similar fraudulent activities. Henderson allegedly collected over $17,000 by falsely asserting that she was laid off from her position at the Henry County School District due to the pandemic. However, prosecutors have stated that she had only worked five days for the school in 2018 and had not been employed there since, which makes her claims suspect. It’s noteworthy that her contract explicitly stated she was ineligible for unemployment benefits.
Despite these serious accusations, Henderson has remained in her seat and maintains her innocence. She faces multiple charges, including two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements. This defiance in the face of significant legal challenges raises eyebrows about accountability among elected officials.
Governor Brian Kemp has yet to appoint a review panel to consider any potential suspension for Henderson. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg indicated that there may be further investigations into other members of the Georgia State House. The possibility of more charges looming over additional lawmakers only adds to the growing scrutiny of the Democratic Party in Georgia.
The case of Karen Bennett highlights broader concerns about ethics and transparency among public officials. With two Democratic representatives embroiled in fraud allegations within a short time frame, the implications for the party’s image and integrity in the state could be significant. As these legal battles unfold, they will undoubtedly shape public perception of Georgia’s political landscape.
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