'Don't Say Gay' Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to COVID Relief Fraud and Money Laundering

Former Florida lawmaker Joseph Harding, who sponsored the controversial "Don't Say Gay" law, has pleaded guilty to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud. Harding made false statements to the Small Business Administration while applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for one of his dormant business entities. After obtaining the funds, he conducted three monetary transactions involving more than $10,000 in fraudulently obtained funds. Harding faces up to 35 years in prison and resigned from the Florida House in December after his indictment.