South Georgia lawmaker pleads guilty to unemployment fraud

By: Maya Homan

Outlets: Georgia Recorder

Published: March 11, 2026

Words: 324

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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Former state Rep. Dexter Sharper, a Valdosta Democrat, pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in court Wednesday as part of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into pandemic-related fraud.

Prosecutors said Sharper, 54, fraudulently collected nearly $14,000 in unemployment benefits through a program aimed at helping those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, though he was earning income from at least two jobs during that time. His income included at least …

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