Former Georgia Rep. Karen Bennett faces federal charges in Atlanta for allegedly falsifying unemployment claims during COVID-19 while still employed
Former Georgia State Representative Faces Federal Charges
ATLANTA – A former Georgia state representative is facing federal charges for allegedly filing false statements to obtain pandemic-related unemployment benefits while still employed.
Federal prosecutors filed a criminal charge on Monday against Karen L. Bennett, who represented House District 94. This district includes parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
Details of the Allegations
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount Collected | $13,940 |
| Time Period | March to August 2020 |
| Claimed Reason | Unable to work due to COVID-19 |
| Actual Employment | Maintained role in General Assembly and private business |
| Weekly Paycheck from Church | $905 |
| False Earnings Reported | $300 |
According to court documents, Bennett collected $13,940 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and federal supplements. Prosecutors allege she claimed she could not work due to COVID-19, even though she continued her role in the General Assembly and operated her private business.
In her May 2020 application, Bennett told the Georgia Department of Labor that her primary job as a physical therapist was halted by the pandemic. She claimed she was “unable to reach my place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
However, investigators say Bennett’s role at her company, Metro Therapy Providers, Inc., was administrative and based out of her home office. Prosecutors allege she was never prohibited from working at home and that the company continued to earn income throughout the pandemic.
The charges also state that Bennett failed to disclose a separate weekly paycheck of $905 she received from a church during the same period.
In one specific weekly certification filed on August 13, 2020, Bennett allegedly stated she only earned $300 that week and was actively seeking work. She claimed, “I am a self-employed/independent contractor/gig worker and have experienced a significant reduction of my customary or usual services because of COVID-19 public health emergency.”
Prosecutors say those statements were false because Bennett knew she had earned at least $1,205 that week and was not prevented from working by the pandemic.
Bennett is charged with one count of making false statements. The government is also seeking a money judgment for the total amount of benefits she received.
