Georgia Lawmaker Accused of Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

State Rep. Dexter Sharper charged with lying to collect $13,825 in benefits

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Federal prosecutors have charged Georgia state Rep. Dexter Sharper, a Valdosta Democrat, with making false statements to collect $13,825 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits. Prosecutors allege Sharper claimed he was not earning money while working as a state representative, musician, and operating a party rental business.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a growing number of charges against Georgia lawmakers accused of fraudulently collecting pandemic unemployment benefits. The charges raise concerns about the integrity of the unemployment system and the public's trust in elected officials.

The details

Prosecutors say Sharper indicated in his application that he was employed only by his party rental business but hadn't worked there since March 2020. He submitted 38 weekly certifications saying he was not earning money, when in reality he was earning $325 a week as a state representative, up to $275 per week as a musician, and $2,231 per week from his party rental business.

  • Sharper was charged on January 30, 2026.
  • The alleged fraud occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The players

Dexter Sharper

A Georgia state representative from Valdosta who is accused of fraudulently collecting $13,825 in pandemic unemployment benefits.

Theodore Hertzberg

The U.S. Attorney who announced the charges against Sharper, warning of a growing wave of charges against Georgia lawmakers for pandemic unemployment fraud.

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What they’re saying

“While many of his constituents and fellow citizens were losing jobs and desperately needed unemployment assistance during the pandemic, Representative Sharper allegedly pretended to be out of work to collect a share of unemployment benefits for himself.”

— Theodore Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Sharper has not indicated whether he will resign from the state legislature. The judge will decide whether to allow him to remain free on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about fraud in the pandemic unemployment system, as well as the erosion of public trust when elected officials are accused of misusing government funds intended to help those in need.