Former Democratic Georgia Rep. Karen Bennett resigned from office effective Jan. 1, 2026, days before she was scheduled to face federal charges related to alleged COVID-19 pandemic unemployment fraud. Federal prosecutors allege Bennett improperly obtained nearly $14,000 in benefits by falsely claiming that her work providing in-home physical therapy services had been disrupted by the pandemic.
According to charging documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Bennett’s actual role with Metro Therapy was administrative and conducted from a home office, meaning her work was not interrupted by pandemic restrictions. Prosecutors also allege she failed to disclose weekly income of approximately $905 earned through church-related work while receiving unemployment benefits. Bennett has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bond.
Court documents state that Bennett was able to continue performing her job duties throughout the pandemic and that therapists who provided in-home services experienced only brief disruptions. Investigators contend that Bennett was not prevented from accessing her home office and continued to support the business during the relevant period.
In her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, Bennett reflected positively on her time in office, saying she was proud of the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly and described her service as a “labor of love.” Her case marks the second time a Georgia House Democrat has faced federal charges related to alleged pandemic relief fraud, following similar charges against Rep. Sharon Henderson.
The case has drawn attention amid broader scrutiny of pandemic-related benefit programs and their oversight. While public reaction has been strong across social media, federal officials emphasized that the charges remain allegations and that Bennett is entitled to due process. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in federal court as the case moves forward.