Georgia Lawmaker Karen Bennett Faces Unemployment Fraud Charges

Karen Bennett, a Georgia state House member from Stone Mountain, has announced her retirement amid allegations of fraudulently collecting $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic. Bennett, who pleaded not guilty to making false statements, resigned after serving since 2012. She is the second Democratic lawmaker charged with such offenses, following Rep. Sharon Henderson. Governor Brian Kemp must now call special elections to fill the vacated seats.