The saga of Joe Harding seems to be finally winding down, as he was sentenced to four months in prison for fraud. Once caught, he paid the money back. "Prosecutors noted that Harding repaid the SBA within weeks of his initial interview with law enforcement." A bit too late to avoid prison though.
Source: Click Orlando
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A former Florida state representative was sentenced to four months in federal prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty to fraudulently collecting about $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds intended to help small businesses.
Joseph Harding, who once represented Florida’s 22nd District - which includes parts of Marion County, resigned from the Florida House of Representatives in December after he was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Harding pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud, which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. He also pleaded guilty to money laundering and making false statements.
The former state representative admitted he created bank accounts for two dormant businesses and used them to fraudulently apply for pandemic relief loans from the Small Business Administration.
In court Thursday, apologized to his family, his supporters and the court, saying he had no one to blame but himself.
“I want to express my remorse for the decisions and failures I’ve made,” Harding said.
Harding made a name for himself by sponsoring Florida's infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
