Former State Rep. Harding pleads guilty to fraud charges

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Former State Rep. Joe Harding appeared in federal court on March 21 to formally change his plea from not guilty to guilty on several counts related to fraudulently obtaining a pandemic-era Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

Harding, a rising Republican political star from Ocala who resigned the House seat in December following his indictment, is expected to be sentenced on July 25.

Harding appeared before District Judge Allen C. Winsor at the Northern District Federal Courthouse in Gainesville with only his attorney, Peg O’Connor, by his side as he was questioned by the judge under oath.

Winsor asked Harding about his state of mind and whether anything was impairing his ability to make decisions. He also asked specifically about what his attorney had advised him were the consequences of pleading guilty to felony charges. Those include losing his right to vote, to own a gun, and to hold certain licenses.

Harding stated that he understood the consequences.

The judge then explained to Harding what the burden of proof would be for the government for each of the three counts of wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements. He asked Harding on each count, “If this case went to trial, would the state be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt your guilt?”

For each count, Harding answered, “Yes.”

Originally, duplicate counts were brought against Harding related to two entities for which he had applied for EIDL loans: The Vak Shack, Inc., an agricultural supply business in Williston, and Harding

See Sentencing, page A4