A Florida GOP state representative indicted by a grand jury for fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds has resigned, ostensibly to focus on his legal troubles.
In a lengthy resignation letter, state Rep. Joseph Harding, 35, defended his record and thanked his constituents for his time in office. He declined to comment on the indictment against him but said a time would come when he would be able to tell his side of the story in full. He justified his resignation by stating that he believed people in his position should not be “encumbered” by any distractions.
Lengthy resignation letter from former state Rep. Joe Harding. #FlaPol pic.twitter.com/LOtF4NHIOk
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) December 8, 2022
FLORIDA GOP STATE REPRESENTATIVE INDICTED IN FRAUD INVOLVING COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS
“When I decided to run in 2019 for the Florida House, I did so for two simple reasons: I love people, and I love Florida. Today, I am resigning from my position for the same two reasons: I love people, and I love Florida,” he wrote in his letter. “I believe in Floridians and want what is best for them, and I believe their leaders need not be encumbered by distractions that are mine alone.”
“Regarding the current legal matter, I cannot comment on the details of my case,” he continued. “There will be a time when I can tell my story in detail, and I will. For now, let me reassure my constituents and the taxpayers that I repaid every penny of the loan I obtained, and I have done my best to cooperate fully with all authorities. That is all I will say for now, and I will communicate any additional details of my legal matter through my attorney.”
Harding is accused of six different charges in total, including wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. The maximum punishment for wire fraud is 20 years in prison, 10 years for money laundering, and five years for making false statements. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is set to go to trial on Jan. 11.
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Harding’s Parental Rights in Education bill, derided by left-wing critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, banned the discussion of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” It was signed into law in July.
