ATLANTA — A member of the Georgia House of Representatives has to pay more than $10,000 in restitution after he fraudulently collected thousands of dollars in COVID-19 unemployment benefits while continuing to work and earn income.
Federal prosecutors announced that Dexter L. Sharper, 54, of Valdosta, was charged with making false statements to obtain unemployment assistance funds administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to the criminal information, Sharper allegedly applied for pandemic unemployment benefits between April 2020 and May 2021 while serving as the state representative for House District 177, which includes portions of Lowndes County.
Prosecutors say Sharper claimed he was unemployed and not earning wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators allege those statements were false.
According to the charges, Sharper submitted an initial application stating that his only employer was his party rental business and claimed he had not worked since March 13, 2020.
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Prosecutors say he then filed 38 weekly certifications stating he had not worked, earned wages or refused employment.
Federal authorities contend Sharper was actually earning income from multiple sources during that time.
Investigators allege he received at least $325 per week from the Georgia General Assembly while serving as a state representative.
Prosecutors also say his party rental business continued operating and generating income, and that he earned additional money as a musician.
According to the charging documents, Sharper received a total of $13,825 in unemployment assistance benefits he was not entitled to collect.
“While many of his constituents and fellow citizens were losing jobs and desperately needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic, Rep. Sharper allegedly pretended to be out of work to collect a share of unemployment benefits for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange called the allegations a “disgraceful” abuse of public trust, while federal investigators said the case underscores efforts to hold public officials accountable when taxpayer funds are allegedly misused.
Sharper was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.