Second Georgia Lawmaker Charged with Pandemic Unemployment Fraud
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key takeaways
- Fraud charge: Federal prosecutors charged State Rep. Karen Bennett with fraudulently obtaining pandemic-era unemployment benefits in 2020.
- Amount involved: About $13,940 in unemployment benefits and supplements.
- Status: Bennett pleaded not guilty and has resigned from the Georgia General Assembly.
- Scope: She is the second Georgia legislator charged in connection with COVID relief programs.
- Theme: The case underscores ongoing scrutiny of pandemic relief programs and public accountability.
Background
Federal prosecutors charged State Rep. Karen Bennett, a longtime Democratic legislator from Stone Mountain, with fraudulently obtaining pandemic-era unemployment benefits, making her the second Georgia lawmaker to be charged with fraud tied to the COVID-19 relief programs. Bennett improperly collected $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits and supplements in 2020 after falsely stating that the pandemic prevented her from working. Court filings indicate she pleaded not guilty.
Charges and Details
The filing indicates she was charged by federal prosecutors with fraudulently obtaining pandemic-era unemployment benefits in 2020. Bennett’s representation did not respond to comment requests.
Implications for Georgia politics
The development marks a high-profile enforcement action related to COVID relief programs. As the second Georgia legislator linked to pandemic-era unemployment fraud, it underscores heightened scrutiny of benefit programs and public trust in elected officials.
For more details, read the original report at AJC.
Source: https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/state-rep-karen-bennett-resigns-from-georgia-general-assembly/
Leave a Reply