A former Georgia state Democratic lawmaker was hit with a federal indictment this week accusing her of lying to collect nearly $14,000 in pandemic-era unemployment benefits.
Karen Bennett, who represented Georgia’s House District 94 for 12 years, resigned on Dec. 30 – just days before she was charged in connection to the alleged fraud scheme.
Between May and August of 2020, Bennett “knowingly and willfully” made “materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and representations” as part of an effort to defraud the federal government out of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program funds, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
She has been charged with one count of making false statements.
“As a result of the false application and certifications, Bennett collected a total of $13,940 of PUA benefits and federal supplements to which she was not entitled,” Theodore Hertzberg, the US attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, wrote in a court filing.
Bennett disclosed two employers – Georgia General Assembly and Metro Therapy Providers, Inc (a company owned by the ex-lawmaker) – on her application of enhanced unemployment benefits and certified that she was unable to work as a result of the pandemic, according to the charging documents.
“In reality, BENNETT was not prevented from performing her work for Metro Therapy or reaching her place of employment because of COVID-19 quarantine,” prosecutors wrote. “Before the pandemic her actual role with Metro Therapy was an administrative one and she worked from her home office; she did not provide in-home services for clients.
“She was not prohibited from reaching her home office because of the pandemic.”
Once Bennett’s application was approved, prosecutors allege that she periodically submitted online certifications attesting that she was actively looking for work; only making $300 per week from the General Assembly; and not generating any other income.
“However, in reality, BENNETT was not actively seeking work, BENNETT was not prevented from working for Metro Therapy because of a COVID-19 quarantine, and Metro Therapy was still operating and receiving income,” the complaint states.
Additionally, the former lawmaker “failed to disclose and concealed” a job she held through a church that came with $905 per week paycheck “the entire time she was claiming PUA benefits,” according to prosecutors.
Bennett pleaded not guilty this week and was issued a $10,000 bond, according to Fox News.
In a letter announcing her retirement, Bennett said she was “proud of the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly.”
“Serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love, and one I will deeply miss,” the ex-lawmaker added.
Bennett did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Her former colleague, Democratic state Rep. Sharon Henderson, was hit with similar charges last month accusing her of fraudulently collecting nearly $18,000 in COVID-era unemployment benefits.
