‘Don’t Say Gay’ Lawmaker Pleads Guilty To COVID Relief Fraud – By AP (Huffpost) / Mar 22 2023
Joseph Harding, a 35-year-old Republican, pleaded guilty in federal court to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” pleaded guilty Tuesday to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud.
Joseph Harding, a 35-year-old Republican, pleaded guilty in Gainesville federal court to wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud, according to court records. He faces up to 35 years in prison at a hearing scheduled for July 25.
Harding resigned from the Florida House in December, a day after federal prosecutors announced his indictment.
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