Joe Harding Resigns from State House After Indictment
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – State Rep. Joe Harding resigned from the state legislature after the announcement of a federal grand jury’s indictment for wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.
“Dear Speaker Renner: Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to principle. The Florida House is going to accomplish great things with you at the helm,” Harding wrote. “It has been a great honor to serve the people of this state and more specifically the people of Levy and Marion Counties.”
“However, due to legal issues that require my complete focus, it is my opinion that now is the time to allow someone else to serve my district.“
Harding’s resignation is effective immediately for District 24.
“Thank you, and may God bless you and the state of Florida,” he concluded in a letter to House Speaker Paul Renner.
The speaker addressed the resignation, saying, “I understand and respect his decision to submit his resignation. Any questions about his case should be directed to his legal counsel.”
“The Florida House remains focused on next week’s all-important special session on property insurance, hurricane recovery, and toll relief.”
U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida announced Wednesday that a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Harding.
The indictment alleges 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 alleges 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.
According to the indictment, Harding made false and fraudulent SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications. He made false representations in supporting loan documentation, in the names of dormant business entities which were submitted to the SBA.
“The Indictment further alleges that Harding obtained fraudulently created bank statements for one of the dormant business entities which were used as supporting documentation for one of his fraudulent EIDL loan applications,” the Department of Justice press release said.
“Harding is also charged with two counts of engaging in monetary transactions with funds derived from unlawful activity related to his transfer of the fraudulently obtained EIDL proceeds into two bank accounts, and two counts of making false statements to the SBA.”
The trial is scheduled for Jan. 11 in Gainesville.
Florida’s Voice reached out to Harding for a comment.
Harding 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.
