Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has taken decisive action by suspending a state legislator who stands accused of committing fraud to obtain federal unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move follows a formal review process and highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of pandemic relief claims.
Governor Accepts Commission Findings
On Thursday, Republican Governor Brian Kemp accepted a report from a review commission which concluded that the criminal charges against Democratic state Representative Sharon Henderson of Covington impair her ability to effectively fulfil her legislative duties. Consequently, Governor Kemp ordered her immediate suspension from the Georgia House of Representatives.
The suspension will remain in effect until either her criminal case is fully resolved or her current term in office expires in January 2027, whichever occurs first. This administrative step underscores the serious nature of the allegations and their perceived impact on public trust.
Details of the Indictment and Defence
Representative Henderson was indicted in December on specific charges of theft of government funds and making false statements. Prosecutors allege she illegally collected a total of $17,811 in unemployment benefits. She has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges and is currently free on bail while awaiting trial.
Her defence lawyer, Gerald Griggs, has publicly stated that his client intends to vigorously contest the charges in court. In a text message dated January 8, Griggs emphasised the foundational legal principle of presumed innocence, writing, “We look forward to litigating this matter in court. In America, every individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” Prior to the suspension, Griggs had called on Governor Kemp to refrain from taking this disciplinary action.
Prosecution's Case and Context
The prosecution's case centres on allegations that Henderson falsely claimed unemployment benefits in 2019, presenting herself as a laid-off substitute teacher from the Henry County school system. However, authorities contend she had not actually worked for that school system since 2018.
Furthermore, prosecutors assert that her substitute teaching contract included an explicit acknowledgment that such positions are not entitled to standard unemployment payments. It is alleged she continued to make false claims about employment in 2019 and 2020 while actively seeking benefits during 2020 and 2021.
Henderson took office representing House District 113, which covers parts of Newton County, in January 2021. Her suspension occurs amidst a broader context of scrutiny over pandemic-era benefits.
Parallel Case and Pandemic Benefits System
Notably, Henderson's suspension comes just one day after former state Representative Karen Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to obtain $13,940 in benefits. The 70-year-old Bennett resigned from the House shortly before being formally charged.
Her legal team has stated she will repay $13,490, and prosecutors have agreed not to seek prison time or supervised release. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 15.
These cases are linked to the special federal unemployment benefits programme enacted during the pandemic. The system, administered through state channels, provided financial aid to individuals who lost jobs due to COVID-19. As with regular unemployment, applicants were required to certify weekly that they remained unemployed to continue receiving payments.
The suspension of an elected official over such allegations marks a significant development, reflecting the legal and political repercussions of alleged misuse of critical pandemic relief funds.
