ATLANTA — In a startling turn of events, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives has found herself embroiled in controversy. On Monday, Rep. Sharon Henderson was arrested and charged with fraud related to pandemic unemployment benefits.

The allegations date back to June 2020, when Henderson was a candidate for a seat in the Georgia House. Government officials assert that she fraudulently applied for and received $17,811 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits during this period.

Speaking on the matter, United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg expressed his dismay. “It is shocking that a public official would allegedly lie to profit from an emergency program designed to help suffering community members,” he stated. “Politicians who violate the public trust and steal from the needy to enrich themselves will be held accountable.”

According to a spokesperson from the Department of Justice, Henderson’s application falsely listed Henry County Schools as her current employer. However, records indicate that she had not worked as a substitute teacher there since 2018.

Despite this gap in employment, Henderson allegedly claimed to have been employed by the school system throughout 2019 and even into March 2020. These discrepancies have now led to serious legal consequences for the state representative.

According to the DOJ, Henderson also signed an acknowledgment within her substitute teacher agreement that substitute teachers are not eligible to draw unemployment wages in 2018.

She said that due to the COVID-19 quarantine, the schools were closed and submitted several weekly certifications that said she was unable to reach her place of employment, officials reported.

She reportedly submitted eight certifications in June 2021, after she was sworn in as the representative for District 113, which covers a portion of Covington and western Newton County.

Henderson was charged with two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements.

“Nobody is above the law, especially Georgia’s elected officials. This indictment should send a clear message that theft of government funds intended for qualified citizens will not be tolerated,” said Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange. “GA-OIG appreciates the efforts of our state and federal partners in bringing this case for prosecution.”