Florida state representative resigns after indictment for fraud, money laundering

GAINESVILLE, Fla (WCTV) – Joseph Harding has resigned his seat in the Florida legislature, just one particular day just after he was indicted on federal charges of fraud and funds laundering.

“Today, powerful promptly, I am resigning from my position as the Point out Agent of Residence District 24,” Harding wrote on his Fb page Thursday.

“When I resolved to operate in in 2019 for the Florida Residence, I did so for two very simple explanations: I adore persons, and I love Florida. Today, I am resigning from my situation for the identical two motives: I love men and women, and I appreciate Florida. I feel in Floridians and want what is best for them, and I imagine their leaders want not be encumbered by interruptions that are mine alone,” Harding wrote.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida State Representative Joseph Harding is accused of hoping to fraudulently receive $150,000 in pandemic-relevant little enterprise loans.

The U.S. Attorney’s Business office announced the indictment Wednesday. It accuses Harding of trying to fraudulently get additional than $150,000 in pandemic-similar tiny company financial loans. The indictment alleges Harding made use of the names of dormant business enterprise entities and produced bogus financial institution statements to apply for Economic Personal injury Disaster Financial loans from the Compact Organization Administration concerning December 2020 and March 2021.

Harding, an Ocala Republican who represents District 24 in the state legislature, posted a statement on his Facebook webpage Wednesday night.

“I want the community and my constituents to know that I thoroughly repaid the mortgage and cooperated with investigators as asked for,” the Facebook article stated. “On information from counsel, I will be not able to say everything a lot more unique about the lawful proceedings till a later day.”

Harding entered a not-responsible plea to the rates, which have a highest sentence of up to 35 several years in prison. His demo is set for January 11, 2023, at the federal courthouse in Gainesville.

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