Georgia Democrat Indicted On Fraud Charges Stemming From Pandemic

A Georgia Democratic state lawmaker was indicted this week on charges related to alleged fraud, authorities announced Tuesday. The indictment was returned by a grand jury and accuses state Rep. Dexter Sharper of submitting false claims for reimbursement on state-funded programs, according to court filings.

The charges include multiple counts of fraud, and prosecutors contend that the lawmaker knowingly misrepresented expenses to obtain government funds improperly, according to the Justice Department.

Sharper, who represents parts of Lowndes County in Georgia’s House District 177, allegedly collected $13,825 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled while working multiple jobs.

Prosecutors allege that in April 2020, Sharper applied for unemployment benefits, claiming that he had not worked at his business, Dexter Sharper Party Rental, since March 13, 2020.

From that point until May 2021, he submitted 38 weekly certifications stating that he had not worked, earned no wages, was actively seeking employment, and had not refused any job opportunities. Investigators contend that these claims were false.

“While many of his constituents and fellow citizens were losing jobs and desperately needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic, Representative Sharper allegedly pretended to be out of work to collect a share of unemployment benefits for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “When government officials lie to take money, and do it while holding an elected office, it violates the trust of citizens and weakens faith in our elected government.”

“These charges point to some disgraceful conduct at the highest level, which should shock and repulse every citizen”, added Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange. “The alleged activities describe a disgusting abuse by an elected official who appeared to trade his integrity for money destined for those in need. Shameful.”

“Dexter L. Sharper, while serving as an elected member of the Georgia House of Representatives, is alleged to have unlawfully enriched himself by improperly obtaining taxpayer funds from the unemployment insurance program intended to assist American workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

“These charges reflect allegations, and the case will be resolved through the judicial process. We will continue our efforts to investigate and pursue accountability for those who are charged with defrauding taxpayers by exploiting Department of Labor programs,” D’Esposito added.

“Nobody is above the law, including elected officials,” said FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis. “Those who violate the public trust and steal from taxpayers to fill their own pockets will be held accountable.”

The DOJ added in a press release:

Sharper, while serving as the Georgia State Representative for District 177, which includes portions of Lowndes County, allegedly applied for unemployment assistance benefits for April 2020 through May 2021. In his initial application, he stated that he had only one employer, Dexter Sharper Party Rental, which had employed him for 40 hours per week for over seven years, but had not worked since March 13, 2020.

Then, in 38 separate weekly certifications, he stated that had not worked or earned any wages, was actively looking for work, and had not refused any work. Contrary to those claims, Sharper was allegedly working and earning money from at least two—and sometimes three—jobs each week.

He received at least $325 every week from the Georgia General Assembly for his position as Georgia State Representative. Sharper’s party rental business was operating and generating income of up to $2,231 of income per week. And Sharper was also collecting up to an additional $275 per week for work as a musician.

As a result of the allegedly false initial application and 38 subsequent certifications, Sharper collected a total of $13,825 of unemployment assistance benefits to which he was not entitled.

The indictment marks the latest in a series of legal actions involving elected officials in Georgia accused of misusing public resources.

Prosecutors have said the state is committed to pursuing corruption and fraud cases regardless of political affiliation.