The Florida state lawmaker behind the law derided by opponents as “Don’t Say Gay” has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements in connection with fraudulently obtained federal loans for Covid-19 relief.
Former state Rep Joseph Harding, who resigned from office after a federal grand jury indictment last year, signed a plea agreement on 21 March admitting to fraudulently applying for federal disaster loans using the names of dormant businesses and falsified bank statements, according to filings from the US Department of Justice.
