Former Georgia State Rep. Karen Bennett, a Democrat, has pleaded guilty to fraud charges just weeks after resigning from office.
Bennett, 70, admitted in federal court in Atlanta to fraudulently claiming unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The former lawmaker ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in connection with the scheme.
The indictment had alleged that in May 2020, Bennett submitted an application for benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, a federal initiative designed to provide financial support to individuals impacted by the pandemic who were not eligible for traditional unemployment insurance.
In her application, Bennett disclosed two sources of employment: her role in the Georgia General Assembly and her position as a physical therapist with Metro Therapy Providers, Inc., a company she owned that provided in-home therapy sessions.
The Democrat claimed that COVID-19 quarantine restrictions prevented her from performing her duties at the therapy company, stating that the business could not operate due to the health crisis. Prosecutors contend that this representation was inaccurate, as Bennett operated from a home office and did not engage in in-person client interactions, meaning the pandemic did not fully halt her work as described.
As a result, she received $13,940 in PUA benefits and federal supplements to which she was not entitled, prosecutors said.
Photo” @karenbennettcares via Instagram
Bennett represented Georgia House District 94, which encompasses portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The district includes communities such as Stone Mountain, Lithonia, and parts of Ellenwood and Redan in DeKalb County, along with segments of Snellville and unincorporated areas in Gwinnett County.
She held the position for six terms, concluding her service on January 1, 2026, when she retired from the legislature ahead of the 2026 session starting on January 12. During her tenure, she served on committees including Health, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and was involved in local delegations for DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
The recently retired lawmaker also held roles such as vice chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Region VI and participated in community health initiatives, such as Affordable Care Act enrollment events with local churches.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed to recommend that Bennett not receive a term of imprisonment. Instead, the recommendation includes full restitution of the $13,940 (plus any applicable interest) to the Georgia Department of Labor.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross. Bennett could have faced a maximum of five years in prison prior to the guilty plea.
