Former Florida state lawmaker pleads guilty to laundering COVID relief money, could face 35 years in prison

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Former Florida state Representative Joseph Harding pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements for COVID-19 relief money, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The disgraced ex-lawmaker faces up to 35 years in prison.

Harding, a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2020 until his resignation in 2022, is accused of seeking COVID relief loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2020.

Florida state Rep. Joe Harding listens during a Local Administration and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee hearing in a legislative session Jan. 13, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

According to an indictment, the 35-year-old allegedly filled out two applications for COVID-19 relief money for fabricated businesses — Vak Shack Inc. and Harding Farms. 

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According to the DOJ, Harding, "made a false and fraudulent" SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application. However, according to the indictment, the companies had been dormant for months before the applications were filed.

Harding applied for $150,000 in loans "he was not entitled" to, according to the DOJ. After receiving the proceeds, while he was still in office, Harding allegedly made three illegal monetary transactions, each totaling more than $10,000. 

The former state representative transferred the money to his joint bank account, transferred money into a bank account of a third-party business and made a payment on a credit card bill, the indictment says.

On Tuesday, March 21, Harding released a statement regarding the charges he faces.

"Today I pled guilty to certain charges relating to COVID-related loans I had applied for. I deeply regret my actions that led to these charges. I let down my family, my constituents, and those who have supported me over the years. I have only myself to blame." Harding said.

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"The greatest honor of my life was representing my hometown and my constituents in the Florida House. I have met thousands of you; we have met at church, your front porch or the grocery store and for two years I gave you my all, representing our common values and not backing down on core principles I believe in with all my heart. During the past legislative session I have felt the support of millions of Americans while fighting for our shared concerns and for the rights of parents.  I will never forget the support I received from every corner of this great country." Harding continued.
 
"All I can do now is focus on the future and making this wrong right. This is why in the spring of 2021, I paid back the SBA loan in full and now all I can do moving forward is continue to tell the truth, apologize to all of those I have hurt and let down and then show the world that with God all things are possible." Harding said. "This will not be the final chapter in what I have to offer others and my family. I love Florida and I apologize for bringing the weight of my mistakes on my family, my friends, and supporters."

Former Florida state Representative Joseph Harding faces up to 35 years in prison for wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements. (iStock)

Harding's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida. Harding faces prison time for wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements.

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