Florida Republican who sponsored 'Don't Say Gay' indicted on Covid relief fraud charges

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A federal grand jury indicted Republican Florida state Rep. Joe Harding on six counts after authorities said he illegally obtained $150,000 in pandemic-related small business loans by allegedly using the names of two dormant companies.

The indictment, unsealed Wednesday night, alleges that between Dec. 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021, Harding used the dormant companies on applications for loans on the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications, including using false bank statements as supporting documentation.

The indictment accuses Harding of using two companies on loan applications: The Vak Shack, which according to its website, sells discounted vacuum sealer bags, and Harding Farms, a 46-acre horse and cattle far facility. Both companies had not been active in Florida from between May 2017 to December 2020.

At the time he filed applications seeking the loans, Harding, 35, created new bank accounts associated with the companies and filed paperwork with the Florida Department of State to reinstate both companies to make them appear as though they were operational, according to the indictment.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/07/joe-harding-federally-indicted-00072896

[peppertree]

1. Next on deSadist's list: the 'Don't Say Fraud' bill

Rick Scott will be the first to endorse it.

[Mz Pip]

3. DUZY! n/t

[peppertree]

6. Why, thank you.

It is what it is.

[Traildogbob]

4. Boy Howdy

You have your finger directly on the Florida GQP pulse. The Scott part particularly.

[peppertree]

7. Thanks.

Sounds like the Sunshine State is in dire need of more sunshine laws - something the current regime will fight, like a vampire avoids the morning.

Maybe Herschel can help with that.

[Traildogbob]

11. Vampires

Are prolific pollinators. And with the loss of bees, they may be extremely important in our food supply.

[dchill]

5. Sadly, not even satire!

It's basically predictive news.

[peppertree]

9. Good point. They're nothing if not predictable.

deSatan and his administration are a lot like those Southern segregationist governors in the '60s.

"We ain't got no n***er problems - and they're none of y'alls bidness anyhow!"

They literally couldn't answer a question without contradicting themselves.

[TheBlackAdder]

2. "Don't Say Gay -- Say COVID Pay Day!"

[NCjack]

12. +1

[Maraya1969]

8. He tried to use deflection like so many of them do. I suggest the FBI and other law enforcement

check with all these lawmakers who make stupid laws targeting "others" to see what they are doing behind what they say is important. I bet a lot of them have skeletons in their closets that they want everyone to miss because they are looking for the "gay guy" There is a recent qanon person just accused of pedophilia or admitted to it; I think it might be on DU.

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/qanon-influencer-exposed-alleged-child-predator-1234639034/

"Phil Godlewski’s lawsuit against a Pennsylvania paper wound up revealing how he groomed a 15-year-old for sex"

[bronxiteforever]

10. Kick & recommend for visibility