A former Florida state representative was sentenced to four months in federal prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty to fraudulently collecting about $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds intended to help small businesses.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A former Florida state representative was sentenced to four months in federal prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty to fraudulently collecting about $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds intended to help small businesses.

Joseph Harding, who once represented Florida’s 22nd District - which includes parts of Marion County, resigned from the Florida House of Representatives in December after he was indicted by a federal grand jury.

Harding pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud, which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. He also pleaded guilty to money laundering and making false statements.

The former state representative admitted he created bank accounts for two dormant businesses and used them to fraudulently apply for pandemic relief loans from the Small Business Administration.