Sharon Henderson, a Georgia State Representative, was arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to pandemic unemployment fraud. She faces two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements. 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 stated, “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 commented, “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’s 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 prosecutors and information presented in court, Congress created special unemployment compensation programs during 2020 as a response to COVID-19-related economic hardship. These programs required applicants to verify their recent employment history and certify each week they claimed benefits.
Henderson allegedly applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits in June 2020 while running for her legislative seat, stating she was employed by Henry County Schools despite only working there briefly as a substitute teacher two years prior. The application included claims about her work history and paystubs that authorities say were false. Investigators allege she submitted weekly certifications claiming COVID-19 quarantine prevented her from working—even after assuming office as District 113’s representative—and collected $17,811 in benefits she was not entitled to receive.
The investigation involves the FBI, 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.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to coordinate resources across government agencies against pandemic-related fraud schemes (https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus). The Task Force aims to enhance investigations and prosecutions related to misuse or abuse of relief programs.
Members of the public with information about attempted COVID-19 fraud can contact authorities through a dedicated hotline or online complaint form (https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form).
The charges against Henderson are allegations at this stage; she remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information on this matter or general updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
