A former Florida state Republican lawmaker known for sponsoring the so-called Don’t Say Gay bill has pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal government of tens of thousands of COVID-19 relief funds.
Joseph Harding, the 35-year-old former state House representative for Florida’s District 24, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count each of wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements, the Justice Department said.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on July 25 when Harding faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the wire fraud charge, 10 years for the money laundering count and five years for making false statements.
Harding’s attorney, Peg O’Connor, told CNN in a statement that her client “made the best decision available to him under the circumstances to protect his family and his future.”
Factual Confidence: 100% Verified (Multiple Sources, Offical Statements)
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