Georgia lawmaker accused of illegally collecting pandemic benefits
Sharon Henderson. State of Georgia official photo.
ATLANTA - Georgia State Rep. Sharon Henderson was arrested Monday after federal prosecutors accused her of illegally collecting pandemic unemployment money while she was a political candidate and later while serving in office. She is scheduled to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge at 1 p.m. and is expected to plead not guilty.
Covington lawmaker arrested
What we know:
Federal investigators say Henderson first applied for pandemic unemployment benefits in June 2020, months after Congress created emergency aid programs for workers affected by COVID-19 shutdowns. At the time, Henderson was running for a state House seat and claimed she was unemployed because Henry County Schools had closed. Prosecutors say that information was false, noting she had not worked for the school system since briefly serving as a substitute teacher in 2018—and that her employment agreement specifically said substitutes were not eligible for unemployment pay.
COVID-19 funding fraud accusations
What they're saying:
According to the indictment, Henderson continued certifying weekly benefits into mid-2021, including eight filings made after she was sworn into office as state representative for District 113. During those filings, officials say she repeatedly claimed she was unable to work because of pandemic-related issues. Investigators allege those statements allowed her to receive $17,811 in benefits she was never entitled to.
Federal authorities sharply criticized the alleged conduct. U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said Henderson is accused of "lying to profit" from a program meant to help residents facing real financial hardship. FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said she "chose greed over compassion," and Georgia’s inspector general said elected officials are not exempt from accountability.
The investigation involved the FBI, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the Georgia Office of the State Inspector General, and the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors emphasized that Henderson remains presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
Who is Sharon Henderson?
Dig deeper:
Henderson has represented Georgia House District 113 since 2021, serving the Covington area after years in banking, ministry and public education. She grew up in South Carolina and later built a long career in finance before moving into work as a pastor and special-needs paraprofessional in local schools. Her public message has consistently focused on community service, early-childhood support and help for families who struggle with basic needs.
At the Capitol, Henderson has pushed a slate of health-focused measures, especially around cancer screening. She sponsored bills requiring insurers to remind women about mammograms and Pap smears and backed legislation expanding access to prostate cancer testing. She has also supported efforts to reduce child hunger, including a proposal to guarantee free, nutritious meals for students statewide.
Henderson sits on several committees, including Banks and Banking, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Game, Fish and Parks, and Retirement, giving her a role in debates that touch finance, natural resources and long-term state benefits.
Lawmaker fraud arrest probe
What we don't know:
Prosecutors have not said whether anyone else is suspected of helping file or certify the claims, or whether investigators believe the alleged activity extended beyond the dates listed in the indictment. It is not clear whether Henderson voluntarily surrendered, how long the investigation had been underway before Monday’s arrest, or whether federal authorities plan to pursue additional charges tied to her campaign activity or time in office. Officials have also not released details about the evidence they used to verify her employment status or how the case moved from state review to a federal indictment.
It is not yet known whether House leaders plan to take any immediate action regarding her committee assignments or position in the legislature. No public statements have been issued by Henderson’s attorney, her family or her staff, and it remains unclear whether she intends to remain in office while the case proceeds. Prosecutors have also not discussed potential sentencing ranges or whether they may seek restitution beyond the benefits outlined in the indictment.
What you can do:
Anyone who suspects pandemic-related fraud can file a report through the Department of Justice’s disaster fraud hotline or online complaint portal.