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A Democrat representative from Georgia’s House has stepped down following federal fraud charges related to alleged COVID relief misconduct.
On Monday, federal prosecutors announced charges against former state Rep. Karen Bennett, accusing her of lying to obtain nearly $14,000 in COVID funds.
Prosecutors allege that Bennett failed to disclose she was earning $905 weekly from a church while claiming Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
In court documents, it is stated that Bennett, who operated a physical therapy business named Metro Therapy, applied for PUA funds in May 2020, claiming she had been unable to work since April 10 due to quarantine and other COVID-related restrictions.
She was approved for the assistance.
From March to August 2020, Bennett reportedly submitted certifications indicating that, aside from the $300 weekly salary from her political role in the Georgia General Assembly, she had no other income, according to prosecutors.
However, Bennett was allegedly serving in an administrative capacity at Metro Therapy, working from home and continuing to receive a paycheck throughout the pandemic. Prosecutors stated, “She was able to continue working as usual from her home to support Metro Therapy throughout the pandemic, and the therapists who provided actual services to clients were able to continue their work after a brief disruption.”
Overall, Bennett is accused of fraudulently collecting $13,940 in PUA and other federal funds and has been charged with one count of making false statements.
RELATED: Georgia Democrat indicted for alleged pandemic relief fraud
In court on Monday, Bennett waived her right to an indictment, pleaded not guilty, and posted bail. The Associated Press noted that many federal defendants who waive indictments often end up pleading guilty.
On Thursday, just four days before the charges were filed, Bennett resigned from her position representing District 94, which includes parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties. She was first elected in 2012.
Bennett also sent a resignation letter to Republican Governor Brian Kemp, dated December 30, which did not mention the impending criminal charges or provide an explanation for her departure. Instead, she expressed pride in the work done by the Georgia General Assembly, stating, “Serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love and one that I will miss.”
A spokesperson for Bennett’s former assembly office declined to comment to Blaze News. Bennett did not respond to a request for comment from the Georgia Recorder, nor did her attorneys respond to the AP’s inquiry.
Bennett is now the second Georgia Democrat facing allegations of fraudulently obtaining COVID relief funds. Last month, state Rep. Sharon Henderson was arrested for allegedly pocketing nearly $18,000 by claiming to have worked as a substitute teacher in 2020, despite not having worked in that role since 2018.
Henderson faces two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements but remains in office. Just before Christmas, she posted on social media asking for donations to a crowdfunding account to assist her in “seeking justice after recent events.”
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