Former Florida GOP legislator faces prison time for Covid-relief fraud.

Former Florida state representative and sponsor of legislation prohibiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, Joseph Harding, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $150,000 in Covid-relief funds from the Small Business Administration. Harding made false statements when he submitted an application for an economic injury disaster loan for a dormant company. He faces a maximum of 35 years in prison and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25.