State Rep. Joe Harding Indicted for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Making False Statements
GAINSEVILLE (FLV) – A federal grand jury indicted Republican state Rep. Joe Harding for wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.
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 maximum terms of imprisonment for the offenses are as follows:
- 20 years: Wire Fraud
- 10 years: Money Laundering
- 5 years: Making False Statements
The trial is scheduled for Jan. 11 in Gainesville.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner announced he temporarily removed Harding from his committee assignments.
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. 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. Since the indictment does not relate to any aspect of his legislative duties, any further questions should be directed to his legal counsel.
House Speaker Paul Renner
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.
