VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — A former Georgia State Representative who pleaded guilty to fraud charges in March will not face jail time.

According to the U.S. Northern District of Georgia Clerk of Court’s office, Dexter Sharper was sentenced to time served. He was also ordered to pay $10,096 in restitution and a $2,000 fine.

Sharper was one of three state representatives who were accused of lying on pandemic unemployment forms. The investigation involved multiple state and federal agencies, including the FBI and the Georgia Office of the State Inspector General. Authorities said Sharper collected nearly $14,000 in benefits.

“I respect the process and the outcome. I’m grateful to move forward, and my focus now is on my family, my faith, and continuing to serve my community in positive ways.”

Sharper served District 177, which covers parts of Lowndes County, from January 2013 to March 2026, when he resigned. Sharper entered his guilty plea days after announcing he was stepping down in a post on social media.

The former state rep. says he has no plans for politics in his future; he is focused on the next chapter.

Alvin Payton Jr. now serves District 177 after winning a special election for the seat in June.

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