(Photo by Gage Skidmore, from Wikimedia Commons)
Florida Rep. Joe Harding who sponsored the Parental Rights in Education bill — also known as “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” — was indicted on charges of defrauding a federal coronavirus loan program for small businesses Dec. 7.
Federal prosecutors said Harding illegally obtained or tried to obtain more than $150,000 from the Small Business Administration in pandemic aid loans. A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Florida returned a six-count indictment that includes two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of making false statements.
If convicted, Harding faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for wire fraud, 10 years for money laundering and five years for making false statements.
According to POLITICO’s Gary Fineout, Harding has been released on bond. Fineout also tweeted a statement from from Florida’s House Speaker Paul Renner.
“After consultation with Representative Harding regarding his indictment, I am temporarily removing him from his committee assignments to allow him time to focus on this matter,” Renner stated. “In America we adhere to the rule of law, and as such, Representative Harding is presumed innocent and will have the opportunity to plead his case before a court.”
Harding has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial is set for Jan. 11.
