Another elected official in Georgia has been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
Georgia Democratic State Representative Dexter L. Sharper, serving District 177 in parts of Lowndes County, faces charges for allegedly providing false information to secure unemployment benefits during the Coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced the charges in a recent press release. Authorities claim Sharper misrepresented his employment status between April and May 2020, collecting $13,825 in benefits he was not entitled to receive.
According to the press release, Sharper applied for assistance, claiming he had only one employer, Dexter Sharper Party Rental, where he worked 40 hours a week for over seven years, but had not worked since March 13, 2020. In 38 weekly certifications, he stated he had not worked, earned no wages, was seeking employment, and had not refused work. Despite these claims, investigators allege he was earning income from multiple sources, including his role in the Georgia General Assembly, his party rental business, and work as a musician.
The issue has sparked outrage among those who see this as yet another example of government officials gaming the system. While hardworking Georgians struggled during the pandemic, Sharper allegedly pocketed weekly payments of at least $325 from his legislative role, up to $2,231 from his rental business, and as much as $275 from musician gigs, according to Breitbart News.
CBS News reports that Sharper is the third Democrat from the Georgia House of Representatives accused of pandemic unemployment fraud. Two others, Rep. Sharon Henderson and former Rep. Karen Bennett, have faced similar charges, with Henderson suspended by Gov. Brian Kemp last week and Bennett pleading guilty to false statements earlier this year.
When elected officials allegedly lie to line their pockets, it’s a slap in the face to every taxpayer who plays by the rules. The hypocrisy stings especially hard when it comes from those who often lecture about fairness and equity. This isn’t about helping the little guy; it’s about helping themselves.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg didn’t mince words on the matter. “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,” Hertzberg stated.
Continuing his critique, Hertzberg added, “When government officials lie to take money, and do it while holding an elected office, it violates the trust of citizens and weakens faith in our elected government.” That’s the crux of the issue—trust. When those in power act like they’re above the law, it’s no wonder folks are fed up with the political class.
Georgia State Inspector General Nigel Lange echoed this sentiment with a sharp rebuke. It’s hard to argue with his assessment that such behavior at the highest levels of government is a disgrace.
Looking at the broader picture, a pattern seems to be emerging among certain Georgia Democrats in the House. Henderson’s charges include theft of government funds and multiple counts of false statements, while Bennett resigned just before her own charges hit. This trio of cases paints a troubling picture of accountability—or the lack thereof.
For those of us who value integrity in governance, these incidents are a call to action. We can’t keep turning a blind eye to politicians who treat public funds as their personal piggy bank. It’s time for stricter oversight and real consequences, not just slaps on the wrist.
The pandemic was a dark time for many, with businesses shuttered and families struggling to make ends meet. Programs like unemployment assistance were lifelines for the honest and hardworking, not get-rich-quick schemes for the well-connected. Sharper’s alleged actions, if proven, are a betrayal of that sacred trust.
What happens next with Sharper’s case could set a precedent for how seriously Georgia takes fraud by public officials. Will this be another case of empty promises for reform, or will there be a genuine push to clean house? The public is watching, and patience is wearing thin.
Ultimately, this scandal is a reminder of why so many Americans are disillusioned with the political elite. When the same folks preaching about systemic inequality are caught allegedly exploiting the system, it exposes the rot at the core of their rhetoric. We deserve leaders who practice what they preach, not those who profit off the public’s pain.
Georgia voters, especially in District 177, have every right to demand answers and accountability. If these allegations hold up in court, it’s not just about one man’s misdeeds—it’s about rebuilding a system where honor and service come before self-interest. Let’s hope justice sends a clear message: no one is above the law.
