By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

Updated Dec. 8, 2022

            Florida House of Representatives member Joe Harding, Republican, District 24, has been indicted by a federal Grand Jury for allegedly defrauding the Small Business Administration of coronavirus business loans.

            Federal prosecutors accused Harding in a six-count indictment of using dormant businesses to apply for loans and fraudulently receiving $150,000 in funds from the SBA.

            Harding, originally from Williston, represented District 22 for his first term in office. District 22 included Levy County. After district boundaries were changed, Harding successfully won the election to District 24 in the Nov. 8 election.

            He has been sworn into office.

            Harding’s trial will begin on January 11 from the federal courthouse in Gainesville. They accuse Harding of wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements.

UPDATE Dec 8, 2022: Today, I pleaded not guilty to federal charges that state I improperly obtained and used an EIDL loan issued by 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.
On advice from counsel, I will be unable to say anything more specific about the legal proceedings until a later date and refer any questions or concerns related to this matter to my attorney. I ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers as we work for a fair and just resolution. Thank you, and may God bless you.

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Enterprise Reporting by Terry Witt December 7, 2022; Posted December 7, 2022