Former Rep. Harding pleads guilty to COVID-related loan charges

Brendon Leslie contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Former Rep. Joe Harding, R-Ocala, is speaking out for the first time after he plead guilty to certain charges relating to coronavirus-related loans he 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.

In December, Harding was indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.

Harding resigned from his position in the legislature soon after.

“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,” Harding said.

“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.”

He sponsored the Parental Rights in Education law, which critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.”

The law prohibits educators from teaching K-3 grade students about gender identity and sexual orientation.

U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida announced in December that a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Harding.

The indictment alleged that Harding committed two acts of wire fraud by participating in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration between Dec. 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021.

It also alleged that during that time he received coronavirus-related small business loans by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.

Harding allegedly fraudulently gained $150,000 in funds from the SBA.

“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.”