A former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the “Don’t Say Gay” law has been sentenced to four months in federal prison and two years of supervised release for defrauding a COVID-19 relief loan program for small businesses.
According to AP, former GOP state Rep. Joe Harding, 36, resigned in December due to charges of fraudulently obtaining $150,000+ in pandemic aid. In March, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and false statements concerning COVID-19 relief fraud.
“The theft of any amount of taxpayer funds is inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Coody. “However, the defendant’s deceptive acts of diverting emergency financial assistance from small businesses during the pandemic is simply beyond the pale.”
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