Overview
- Federal prosecutors charged Bennett with making false statements; she waived indictment, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $10,000 bond.
- Charging documents allege she misrepresented her work at Metro Therapy as in-home services halted by COVID-19 when her actual duties were administrative from a home office.
- Prosecutors say she failed to disclose other income while claiming benefits, including $905 per week from a church and a $300 weekly legislative stipend.
- Records cite weekly Pandemic Unemployment Assistance certifications from March through August 2020 that totaled $13,940, and the government may seek forfeiture or a money judgment.
- Bennett resigned her House seat effective Jan. 1, creating a vacancy for a special election, and she becomes the second Georgia House Democrat recently charged after Rep. Sharon Henderson.