GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A former Florida lawmaker who sponsored a controversial law critics called “Don’t Talk Gay” pleaded guilty Tuesday to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud.
Joseph Harding, a 35-year-old Republican, pleaded guilty in Gainesville federal court to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements in connection with the COVID-19 relief scam, according to court records. He faces up to 35 years in prison at a hearing scheduled for July 25.
Harding resigned from the Florida House in December, a day after federal prosecutors announced the indictment.
According to court documents, Harding made false statements to the Small Business Administration when applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for one of his dormant business entities. After receiving $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, prosecutors say Harding made three monetary transactions, each involving more than $10,000 in fraudulently obtained funds: transfers to joint bank accounts, payments to credit cards, and transfers to bank accounts . from third party business entities.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses experiencing temporary losses.
Harding became nationally known last year for sponsoring legislation that would ban instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as well as age-inappropriate material.