Former Georgia Rep. Karen Bennett (D) resigned her House seat effective Jan. 1, 2026, days before a federal indictment for fraudulently obtaining nearly $14,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits. Prosecutors allege she lied on applications through her Metro Therapy Providers company, claiming to be barred from in-home therapy work and omitting weekly church income.
She became the second Democrat charged after Rep. Sharon Henderson. Separately, Rep. Lynn Heffner (D-Augusta) resigned due to Hurricane Helene-related home damage affecting residency requirements. Bennett pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond. The Georgia House now has 98 Republicans and 79 Democrats; Gov. Kemp will call special elections to fill the vacancies.
Karen Bennett, in her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, stated, “I am proud of the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly when we came together to advance policies that strengthened our state and improved the lives of all Georgians,” adding, “Serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love and one that I will miss.”
Similarly, in her resignation, Lynn Heffner claimed, “As recovery efforts have continued, the rebuilding process has reached an impasse, creating uncertainty that makes it difficult to confidently maintain constitutional residency while continuing legislative service.”
Adding much-needed context, U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “Bennett was elected to represent her fellow citizens and took a solemn oath to promote the best interests and prosperity of the State of Georgia.”
Summarizing her shameful actions, he added, “Instead, she violated that oath and, during an unprecedented emergency, lied to line her own pockets with taxpayer money intended to help community members in need.”
Likewise, Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta issued his own statement.“Public trust is fundamental to our system of government, and elected officials are expected to uphold the law—not exploit it,” the special agent wrote.
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The same source added, “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable anyone who abuses emergency relief programs, especially those who knowingly divert critical assistance away from individuals and families who truly need it during times of crisis.”
“Karen Bennett, while serving her constituents as an elected member of the Georgia House of Representatives, unlawfully enriched herself with taxpayer funds from an unemployment program intended to assist American workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, “Anthony P. D’Esposito, the Inspector General, at the U.S. Department of Labor, explained.
Vowing to continue the fight against waste and fraud, D’Esposito said, “We will continue our efforts to investigate and bring to justice all who defraud taxpayers by exploiting Department of Labor programs.”
Additionally, Nigel Lange, the Inspector General, State of Georgia Office of Inspector General, issued a scathing rebuttal. “Karen Bennett lied to obtain personal benefits and as an elected official should rightfully be considered the lowest of the low. Her sentencing should serve as a warning for others who have taken an oath of office that there is zero tolerance for this type of crime in Georgia,” he asserted.