Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Author Seeks Early End To Probation After Being Jailed On COVID Fraud Charges

May 22, 2025 Crime, Republicans

Florida Politics reports:

Former Rep. Joseph Harding wants the courts to end his probation early. The Ocala Republican sent a letter to U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor seeking relief from his sentence. He made the request one year into a two-year probation sentence.

“Since the beginning of my probation, I have worked diligently to secure and maintain steady employment, allowing me to consistently provide for my family,” Harding wrote. “I remain committed to making positive choices and living responsibly.” But Harding said the probation is limiting professional opportunities.

In addition to probation, Harding was sentenced to four months in federal prison, and was let out 30 days early, on April 27, 2024. His two-year probation started a few weeks later. He went to prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements after facing charges related to obtaining COVID relief funds.

Read the full article.

In January 2023, Harding’s brother-in-law was sentenced to 5.5 years on his own COVID fraud charges. Harding’s lawyer had pleaded for leniency because his client returned the stolen funds after being caught. 

The judge in his case, a Trump appointee who once served under then-Florida AG Pam Bondi, apparently obliged.

Harding has accused the media of “dramatically exaggerating” the charges against him because he had authored the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which he remains extremely proud of. Harding has also hinted that he will seek a return to elected office.

He remains active on X, where he frequently retweets far-right cultists such as Libs of TikTok and DC Draino.



Tags

© joemygod.com 2025