Florida congressman Joseph Harding, who sponsored the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, is facing up to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty on Tuesday Tuesday to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud.
The 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.
Harding became nationally known last year over his sponsorship of a law that forbids education on sexual orientation and gender identity.
He resigned from the Florida House in December, a day after federal prosecutors announced his indictment.
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According to court documents, 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 $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, prosecutors said Harding conducted three monetary transactions, each involving more than $10,000 in fraudulently obtained funds: a transfer to his joint bank account, a payment to his credit card, and a transfer into a bank account of a third-party business entity.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25.
