NEWTON COUNTY – Georgia State Consultant and Covington native Sharon Henderson was arrested on Monday morning after federal prosecutors alleged she collected false unemployment advantages.
In line with a information launch from the U.S. Division of Justice (DOJ), Henderson allegedly utilized for federal pandemic unemployment advantages through the COVID-19 pandemic. with claims that she was employed by Henry County Colleges as an alternative trainer. Nevertheless, prosecutors declare that Henderson had not labored for the varsity system since 2018.
“In June 2020, whereas a candidate for a Georgia Home seat, Henderson allegedly utilized for federal pandemic unemployment advantages claiming that her present employer was Henry County Colleges,” the discharge acknowledged. “Though Henderson had labored as an alternative trainer for Henry County Colleges for 5 days in 2018 (nearly two years prior), she had not labored for Henry County Colleges since then. Moreover, the Substitute Trainer Settlement Henderson signed in 2018 included an acknowledgment that substitute lecturers should not eligible to attract unemployment wages.”
Nevertheless, the DOJ alleges that Henderson claimed to work for the system nicely previous her precise time spent on the faculty in an try to gather funds.
“Nonetheless, Henderson allegedly acknowledged within the utility that she had labored for the varsity system all through 2019 and as lately as March 10, 2020; that she had paystubs as proof of that employment in 2019; and that her place of employment was closed as a direct results of the COVID-19 public well being emergency,” the discharge acknowledged. “She then allegedly submitted weekly certifications stating that she was unable to achieve her place of employment due to a COVID-19 quarantine. She allegedly submitted eight of these certifications in June 2021, after she was sworn in and serving because the state consultant for District 113, which covers western Newton County and a part of Covington, Georgia.”
In complete, the DOJ alleges that Henderson collected $17,811 of unemployment advantages.
A federal grand jury has formally charged Henderson with two counts of theft of presidency funds and 10 counts of creating false statements.
Henderson pled not responsible in federal courtroom on Monday. In line with Capitol Beat, Henderson – who arrived to the courtroom in ankle cuffs – was compelled to give up her passport and submit a $10,000 bond.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Division of Labor – Workplace of Inspector Normal, Georgia Workplace of the State Inspector Normal and DeKalb County District Lawyer’s Workplace are investigating the case.
“It’s stunning {that a} public official would allegedly deceive revenue from an emergency program designed to assist struggling neighborhood members,” stated U.S. Lawyer Theodore S. Hertzberg within the information launch. “Politicians who violate the general public belief and steal from the needy to complement themselves might be held accountable.”
Henderson, a Democrat, has served on the Georgia Home of Representatives since 2021 after defeating incumbent Pam Dickerson. She was reelected in 2022 and 2024. It’s not instantly clear how her arrest will impression her standing in workplace.
The Covington Information has reached out to Henderson’s crew for remark and haven’t instantly heard again.
