Ex-Georgia State Lawmaker Charged with Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

Fri Jan 09 2026 10:28:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Karen Bennett, a former Georgia state House member, is accused of lying to collect over $13,000 in federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic, as investigations continue into possible widespread fraud among state lawmakers.

Karen Bennett, who resigned from the Georgia House last week, has been charged with filing false statements to collect $13,940 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits. This makes her the second House member to face similar charges, following Sharon Henderson, who was indicted for allegedly collecting $17,811 unlawfully. Prosecutors claim Bennett misrepresented her employment status and failed to disclose additional income. Investigations into other lawmakers are ongoing.

ATLANTA (RTW) — Karen Bennett, a former member of the Georgia state House, has been indicted for allegedly lying to collect federal unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the ongoing scrutiny of state lawmakers regarding their pandemic claims.

Federal prosecutors have charged Bennett with one count of making false statements to secure $13,940 in federal assistance. During a Monday court appearance, Bennett waived indictment, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $10,000 bail.

The charges stem from claims that Bennett falsely presented herself as being unable to work due to quarantine while running a home office for Metro Therapy Providers, a company she owned. In contrast, prosecutors assert that her business continued operating and generating income during this period. Moreover, they allege that she failed to reveal she was also receiving $905 from her church for weekly pay.

Bennett, who resigned from her legislative position last Thursday, represents a district encompassing parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Following her indictment, she has become the second Democratic lawmaker in Georgia to face scrutiny over unemployment benefits. Rep. Sharon Henderson was indicted in December for similar allegations involving $17,811 in unlawfully received benefits.

U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg previously indicated that further investigations into other Georgia state House members are ongoing, echoing concerns over potential widespread fraud among elected officials.

With Bennett's resignation, the Democratic representation in the House is expected to dwindle, creating a need for special elections to fill the vacancies left by her and other resigning members. Governor Brian Kemp is tasked with initiating these elections.