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Ex-Georgia Lawmaker Pleads Guilty in Pandemic Unemployment Case

Sentencing is set for April 15 with prosecutors not seeking prison time.

Overview

  • Karen Bennett admitted to making false statements to obtain nearly $14,000 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits.
  • Federal filings say she will repay the full amount to the Georgia Department of Labor.
  • Prosecutors allege she falsely claimed she could not work at Metro Therapy Providers and failed to disclose $905 in weekly pay from a church.
  • U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross set sentencing for April 15 after Bennett resigned her House seat and a March 10 special election was set to fill it.
  • The plea comes as separate scrutiny intensifies, with Gov. Brian Kemp suspending Rep. Sharon Henderson following her December indictment over similar benefits claims.