2nd Former State Representative Sentenced in Unemployment Insurance Scheme

Atlanta - On September 14, 2026, former State Representative Dexter Sharper was sentenced in federal court on a charge of False Statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 in relation to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19-era Unemployment Insurance benefits. Mr. Sharper was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Cohen to time served, a $100 special assessment, $2,000 fine, and restitution in the amount of $10,096.

Sharper's sentencing follows that of former State Representative Karen Bennett, who was sentenced on April 23, 2026, on a similar charge of False Statements in relation to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19-era Unemployment Insurance benefits. Ms. Bennett was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor Ross to time served, a $100 special assessment, $1,000 fine, and restitution in the amount of $13,940.

A third former State Representative, Sharon Henderson, pled guilty to making false statements in relation to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19-era Unemployment Insurance benefits on July 30, 2026. Ms. Henderson is currently scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Brown on December 2, 2026.