Sharon Henderson Indicted for Misusing COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

A Georgia state representative has been indicted on charges of stealing over $17,000 from pandemic-related unemployment benefits by falsely claiming job loss due to COVID-19. Sharon Henderson, a Democrat representing Covington in Henry County, is accused of repeatedly submitting fraudulent weekly certifications starting mid-2020 while seeking federal aid.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Henderson applied for federal unemployment programs in late 2020 while actively campaigning and running for public office. In her applications, she asserted that COVID-19 had caused a job loss for which she was not eligible or entitled under the program rules at that time.

Prosecutors stated that investigations revealed Henderson worked only briefly as a substitute teacher in 2018 – information she allegedly omitted from official documents. The indictment specifically noted that substitutes were ineligible to receive unemployment benefits, yet prosecutors claim she submitted claims claiming otherwise for eight weeks after entering office.

The charges stem from repeated false certifications about being unable to work due to COVID-19 quarantine requirements during this period of deception. Henderson is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand on [no date specified in text] without the option to change plea until a formal court appearance occurs later. The indictment itself does not determine guilt; it merely charges her with allegedly defrauding programs meant for genuine victims during this unprecedented crisis.

Law enforcement agencies emphasize their commitment to investigating unemployment fraud, regardless of the applicant’s status – public or private sector.