Atlanta, January 6, 2026
Karen Bennett, a former member of the Georgia state legislature, has been indicted for allegedly fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accused of improper statements and failing to disclose additional income, Bennett pled not guilty. This indictment is part of broader investigations into pandemic-related fraud involving other legislators, including Sharon Henderson, who faced similar charges. The ongoing scrutiny emphasizes the importance of accountability in public service during times of crisis.
Atlanta
A former Georgia state representative, Karen Bennett, was indicted on Monday, January 5, 2026, on allegations of pandemic-related fraud. The indictment follows her resignation from the Georgia General Assembly, effective January 1, 2026. Ms. Bennett is the second Georgia legislator to face charges related to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of pandemic-era unemployment benefits.
Allegations of Misappropriated Funds
Prosecutors allege that Ms. Bennett, a Democrat from Stone Mountain, improperly collected $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits and supplements during 2020. It is contended that she falsely stated the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her from working. Court filings indicate Ms. Bennett has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The core of the allegations centers on Ms. Bennett’s employment during the pandemic. While she reportedly disclosed receiving weekly income from the Georgia General Assembly and her physical therapy company, Metro Therapy Providers, prosecutors contend she failed to report additional wages. It is alleged that she received $905 per week from a church job and other earnings from her business, which were not disclosed when she claimed pandemic benefits. Furthermore, prosecutors assert that Ms. Bennett’s role at Metro Therapy Providers was administrative, conducted from a home office both before and during the pandemic, and thus she was not prevented from working by pandemic guidelines as she claimed. The federal grand jury indicted Ms. Bennett on one count of making false statements.
Preceding Charges Against Another Legislator
This indictment follows similar charges brought in December 2025 against another Georgia legislator, State Representative Sharon Henderson. Ms. Henderson, a Democrat from Newton County, was charged with fraud related to government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is accused of having collected $17,811 in unemployment benefits through false statements regarding her employment. Ms. Henderson has also pleaded not guilty to her charges, which include two counts of theft of government funds and ten counts of making false statements.
The Deeper Echoes of a Crisis
These cases emerge from a period when the federal government extended vital unemployment benefits to support individuals across the nation who found themselves unable to work due to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such programs, designed as a bulwark against widespread economic distress, represented a collective effort to sustain livelihoods amidst uncertainty. The allegations of their exploitation cast a shadow over the sacrifices made by many, inviting reflection on the integrity that underpins public trust, particularly in times of shared vulnerability. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has consistently urged vigilance against pandemic-related fraud schemes nationwide.
United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg has indicated that these charges are part of a broader investigative effort. He previously stated that more inquiries are ongoing, and additional indictments are likely to follow for individuals currently serving in the Georgia state House. This ongoing scrutiny underscores a commitment to accountability for those who may have sought personal gain from programs intended to alleviate the suffering of the broader community.
Ms. Bennett was first elected to the Georgia Legislature in 2012, serving constituents in portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. During her tenure, she also chaired the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. These recent legal developments serve as a potent reminder of the enduring human consequences when trust is tested within the frameworks of public service and collective relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who was indicted for alleged pandemic fraud?
Former Georgia state representative Karen Bennett was indicted for alleged pandemic fraud. -
When was Karen Bennett indicted?
Karen Bennett was indicted on Monday, January 5, 2026. -
What are the allegations against Karen Bennett?
Prosecutors allege that Karen Bennett improperly collected $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits and supplements in 2020, falsely stating the pandemic prevented her from working. She is also accused of failing to disclose additional wages from a business and a church job while claiming benefits. -
Has Karen Bennett pleaded guilty?
No, Karen Bennett has pleaded not guilty to the charges. -
Is Karen Bennett the first Georgia legislator charged with pandemic fraud?
No, Karen Bennett is the second Georgia legislator to be charged with fraud tied to COVID-119 relief programs. State Representative Sharon Henderson was charged in December 2025. -
What are the allegations against Sharon Henderson?
State Representative Sharon Henderson was accused of fraudulently collecting $17,811 in unemployment benefits by lying about her employment during the pandemic. -
Has Sharon Henderson pleaded guilty?
No, Sharon Henderson has pleaded not guilty. -
What is the broader context of these charges?
These cases are part of ongoing investigations into the alleged exploitation of federal government programs that provided special unemployment benefits nationwide to people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
Key Features of the Alleged Pandemic Fraud
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Indicted (Jan 5, 2026) | Former State Representative Karen Bennett | State-level (Georgia) |
| Alleged Fraud Amount (Bennett) | $13,940 | State-level (Georgia) |
| Allegations (Bennett) | Falsely claiming pandemic prevented work, failing to disclose other income (church job, business) | State-level (Georgia) |
| Plea (Bennett) | Not Guilty | State-level (Georgia) |
| Individual Charged (Dec 2025) | State Representative Sharon Henderson | State-level (Georgia) |
| Alleged Fraud Amount (Henderson) | $17,811 | State-level (Georgia) |
| Allegations (Henderson) | Lying about employment to collect unemployment benefits | State-level (Georgia) |
| Plea (Henderson) | Not Guilty | State-level (Georgia) |
| Nature of Programs | Federal pandemic unemployment benefits | Nationwide |
| Ongoing Investigations | More investigations and potential indictments for Georgia lawmakers | State-level (Georgia) |
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