Former Florida State Lawmaker Faces 35 Years in Prison for COVID Relief Fraud

Former Florida state Representative Joseph Harding pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements for COVID-19 relief money. Harding faces up to 35 years in prison for seeking COVID relief loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2020 for fabricated businesses. He applied for $150,000 in loans "he was not entitled" to and made three illegal monetary transactions. Harding's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida.