VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — A representative for Valdosta announced Monday, March 9, that he stepped down from his position in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Dexter Sharper made the announcement on Facebook just after 4:15 p.m. Monday. In the post, he reported serving the community generally for over 35 years.

Sharper was sworn in to the Georgia House in January 2013, serving as a state representative for over 13 years, according to the Georgia General Assembly’s official site. Until Monday, he served on five House committees.

This comes after Sharper and two other state representatives were charged with pandemic unemployment fraud, allegedly taking nearly $14,000 in benefits.

Authorities alleged that between April 2020 and May 2021, Sharper applied for and collected unemployment benefits while continuing to earn income from multiple sources. Investigators said Sharper received weekly pay from the Georgia General Assembly, income from his party rental business and additional earnings as a musician, all while certifying that he was unemployed and actively seeking work.

Sharper received a slew of comments on his resignation announcement, many of which were notes of support.

“Thanks for serving our community!! May the work you have done speak for you!! We love you! Stay encouraged no matter what and keep God first!” one commenter wrote.

“Thank you for your service to Valdosta and Lowndes county. We know you were always going above and beyond. Don’t stop doing what you do. You don’t have to have a title to make a difference,” another said.

Sharper expressed that he is grateful for the support.

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