Suspended Democratic state Rep. Sharon Henderson of Covington pleaded guilty Thursday to making false statements to obtain $17,811 in pandemic unemployment benefits, becoming the third current or former Georgia House Democrat to admit similar fraud this year.
The Justice Department said July 30 Henderson applied for benefits in June 2020 while running for office, claiming Henry County Schools was her employer. Prosecutors said she had not worked for the district in nearly two years and had served only five days as a substitute teacher in 2018.
Prosecutors said Henderson falsely reported working for the district throughout 2019 and as recently as March 10, 2020, having supporting pay stubs and losing access to work because of the COVID-19 emergency. She later submitted weekly certifications claiming a quarantine kept her from work, including eight in June 2021 after taking office in House District 113.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Henderson pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements after originally being indicted on two theft counts and 10 false-statement counts. Attorney Paul Kish said Henderson, who had no prior criminal record, made a “regretful decision and mistake” amid the pandemic’s uncertainty.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors recommend one year of probation, with two months in home detention, and $17,811 in restitution. U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown scheduled sentencing for Nov. 3.
Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Henderson in January after a review commission found the charges impaired her duties. The suspension runs until the case is resolved or her term expires in January 2027.
Former Democratic Reps. Karen Bennett and Dexter Sharper previously pleaded guilty in related cases. Bennett collected $13,940, while Sharper collected $13,825, bringing the three lawmakers’ combined improperly obtained benefits to $45,576.
