Georgia Democrat Indicted On Fraud Charges Stemming From Pandemic

A Georgia Democrat serving in the state legislature is now facing serious federal charges after a grand jury handed down an indictment accusing him of fraud tied to pandemic-era unemployment benefits.

State Rep. Dexter Sharper, who represents parts of Lowndes County in Georgia House District 177, was indicted this week on multiple counts related to allegedly submitting false claims to obtain government funds. Court filings and statements from federal authorities indicate prosecutors believe Sharper knowingly misrepresented his employment status to collect taxpayer-funded benefits he was not entitled to receive.

According to investigators, Sharper improperly collected $13,825 in unemployment assistance while simultaneously working multiple jobs. Prosecutors allege that in April 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharper applied for unemployment benefits and claimed he had not worked at his business, Dexter Sharper Party Rental, since March 13 of that year.

From April 2020 through May 2021, Sharper allegedly submitted 38 weekly certifications asserting that he had not worked, earned no income, refused no job offers, and was actively seeking employment. Authorities say those claims were false and directly contradicted by evidence of ongoing employment and income.

“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.”

Federal labor officials echoed those concerns, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.

“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.

Federal law enforcement officials also underscored that elected office does not provide immunity from accountability.

“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.”

In a detailed press release, the Justice Department outlined the alleged scheme. Sharper reportedly claimed in his initial application that his only employer was Dexter Sharper Party Rental, where he worked 40 hours per week for more than seven years, but that he had stopped working entirely as of March 13, 2020.

However, prosecutors allege that throughout the period in question, Sharper was collecting income from multiple sources. In addition to receiving at least $325 per week from the Georgia General Assembly for his role as a state representative, Sharper’s party rental business was allegedly operating and generating as much as $2,231 per week. He was also reportedly earning up to $275 per week working as a musician.

As a result of the allegedly false application and 38 subsequent weekly certifications, prosecutors say Sharper unlawfully received $13,825 in unemployment benefits.

The indictment is the latest in a string of cases involving Georgia officials accused of abusing public resources, reinforcing concerns about accountability and ethical standards among elected leaders. Prosecutors have stated that corruption investigations will proceed regardless of political affiliation.