State lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

In her application for the program, which provided cash assistance to those who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Henderson allegedly claimed on her application that she was working for the Henry County School District through March 2020.

According to a court filing, she then submitted certifications stating that she was unable to work at her place of employment because of the coronavirus quarantine. Eight of those certifications were allegedly made after she was sworn in to office.

Henderson worked five days as a substitute teacher for Henry County Schools in 2018, but federal prosecutors said she had not worked there since then.

Prosecutors say Henderson also signed an agreement that restricts substitute teachers from drawing unemployment wages.

Instead, she improperly collected $17,811 of pandemic unemployment benefits, according to allegations.

A spokesperson for Henderson’s office declined to comment Monday.

Prosecutors representing the federal government did not ask the court to keep Henderson in jail. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford said he did not believe Henderson was a threat to the community.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand set a $10,000 unsecured bond, meaning it would only be imposed if Henderson violates the terms of her release. He also required her to surrender her passport as part of the terms of agreement.

Henderson has not been arrested before, an attorney representing her in court said.

She represents Georgia House District 113, which covers parts of Covington and Newton County.