TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Williston lawmaker who sponsored Florida's Parental Rights in Education law, has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding a federal coronavirus loan program for small businesses.
Federal prosecutors indicted Rep. Joe Harding, 35, saying he illegally obtained or tried to obtain more than $150,000 from the Small Business Administration in pandemic aid loans. He is being charged with two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of making false statements.
Harding won election to the Florida House in November 2020. He now represents House District 24, which includes Levy County and part of Marion County.
Harding released the following statement: "Today (Wednesday) I pleaded not guilty to federal charges that state I improperly obtained and used an EIDL loan from the Small business Administration. I want the public and my constituents to know that I fully repaid the loan and cooperated with investigators as requested."
“I ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers as we work for a fair and just resolution,” Harding further said. “Thank you, and may God bless you.”
The GOP Speaker of the Florida House has temporarily removed Harding from his committee assignments in the Legislature.
Rep. Paul Renner said in a statement: “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.”
A trial is scheduled for Jan. 11 in Gainesville. If convicted, Harding faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, up to 10 years for money laundering and an added five years for lying to the SBA.
Harding became nationally known this year over his sponsorship of the Florida law that forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as well as material that is not deemed age-appropriate.
