Georgia State Rep. Charged with Pandemic Fraud Resigns

Dexter Sharper allegedly collected $13,825 in fraudulent unemployment benefits while working multiple jobs.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A Democratic state representative in Georgia, Dexter Sharper, has resigned after being charged with making false statements to fraudulently obtain thousands of dollars in emergency pandemic unemployment assistance. Prosecutors say Sharper collected $13,825 in benefits he was not entitled to while working multiple jobs, including as a state representative earning a weekly salary.

Why it matters

The case highlights issues around fraud and abuse of pandemic relief programs, which have faced scrutiny nationwide. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability for elected officials who may have exploited these programs for personal gain.

The details

Federal prosecutors allege that Sharper applied for unemployment benefits from April 2020 through May 2021, claiming he had only one employer and had not worked since March 2020. But they say he was actually working and earning money from two or three jobs a week, including his state representative position paying $325 per week and his party rental business generating up to $2,231 per week.

  • Sharper allegedly collected $13,825 in fraudulent unemployment benefits from April 2020 through May 2021.
  • Sharper was charged in January 2026 with making false statements to obtain the pandemic-related funds.
  • Sharper resigned from the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Dexter Sharper

A Democratic state representative from Valdosta, Georgia who was charged with pandemic-related fraud for allegedly collecting $13,825 in fraudulent unemployment benefits while working multiple jobs, including as a state representative.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia

The federal prosecutors who charged Sharper with making false statements to fraudulently obtain pandemic unemployment assistance funds.

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What they’re saying

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of Valdosta and Lowndes County in this role.”

— Dexter Sharper, Former Georgia State Representative (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

A special election will be held to elect Sharper's replacement in the Georgia House of Representatives, though the date has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for robust oversight and accountability measures around pandemic relief programs to prevent fraud and abuse, especially by elected officials who may seek to exploit these funds for personal gain.