TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” was sentenced to six months in federal prison Thursday for defrauding a federal coronavirus relief loan program for small businesses.
Former state Rep. Joe Harding, a 36-year-old Republican, resigned in December after being charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $150,000 from the Small Business Administration in pandemic aid loans.
He pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud.
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.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program was designed to provide economic relief to small businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.
Persons:
“, ”, Joe Harding, Jason Coody, Harding
Organizations:
Former, Republican, Small Business Administration
Locations:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla, Florida, COVID