Former Georgia state lawmaker Karen Bennett now faces serious legal trouble after being federally charged with fraud involving nearly $14,000 in unemployment benefits meant for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This alarming news follows her announcement in late December that she would retire from her position representing House District 94 after 12 years of service.
According to U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg, Bennett allegedly made false applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits starting in May 2020. “As a result of the false application and certifications,” Bennett collected $13,940 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive. Prosecutors assert that she claimed her position with the Georgia General Assembly, along with her role in her private business, Metro Therapy, was her primary source of income and that COVID-19 prevented her from performing work.
However, the government’s filing suggests otherwise. It alleges that Bennett was not actually hindered from her work responsibilities at Metro Therapy. Instead, her role was more administrative, allowing her to operate from home without disruption during the pandemic. Specifically, the court documents state she could have continued working and supporting Metro Therapy throughout the crisis, thereby contradicting her claims that her ability to earn an income was severely affected.
The situation worsened for Bennett when she applied for and was denied traditional unemployment benefits, which led her to pursue the PUA application. Prosecutors argue that her approach was methodical and deceptive. Even after receiving PUA benefits, she continued to submit weekly online certifications. Each time, Bennett claimed she was actively looking for additional work while omitting crucial information about her actual income and job status. For instance, she allegedly failed to reveal she had a separate job at a church, earning $905 per week throughout the time she was claiming PUA benefits.
“She was not prohibited from reaching her home office because of the pandemic,” the prosecutors stated, highlighting the discrepancies between her reported circumstances and the truth. These charges reflect a broader trend seen in other cases, such as those involving Rep. Sharon Henderson, also a Georgia state Democrat, who faces similar accusations of unemployment fraud.
Bennett has pleaded not guilty to making false statements, and she was released on a $10,000 bond. As details continue to unfold, the ramifications of her actions will likely extend beyond her immediate legal challenges, possibly altering public perception of her past service. In a letter announcing her retirement, Bennett expressed pride in her contributions to the Georgia General Assembly, emphasizing her commitment to strengthening the state and improving lives.
This troubling case not only illustrates the risks associated with pandemic-related assistance programs but also raises questions about accountability among public officials. The narrative of personal and civic integrity clashes starkly with allegations of misconduct, inviting scrutiny and examination of how such actions align with the responsibilities expected from elected representatives.
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