A federal grand jury has indicted Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants, accusing them of stealing about $5 million in disaster-relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and laundering the money for personal gain.
The indictment revolves around a FEMA-funded contract for COVID-19 vaccination staffing awarded to Trinity Health Care Services, a Miramar-based company connected to Cherfilus-McCormick’s family.
Prosecutors allege that a significant portion of the stolen funds was funneled into Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and used for the defendants’ personal benefit. The indictment also details other alleged schemes, including straw-donor contributions and submitting false tax returns by misclassifying personal and political expenses as business deductions and inflating charitable donations.
Official statements
Federal prosecutors noted that Trinity Health Care Services received FEMA payments for COVID-19 vaccination staffing, making the alleged diversion a violation of federal emergency relief protocols.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime. No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones of the Southern District of Florida added, “Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law. This indictment reflects our office’s commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer.” He continued, “Public money belongs to the American people. When FEMA funds are diverted for personal or political gain, it erodes trust and harms us all. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended and the public’s trust is safeguarded.”
Cherfilus-McCormick’s response
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied the allegations.
“This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment — and I am innocent. The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues,” she said.
“From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved. I am deeply grateful for the support of my district, and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I look forward to my day in court. Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents,” she added.
Potential punishment
According to the U.S. Attorney’s press release, if convicted on all counts, Cherfilus-McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison. Her co-defendants face varying maximum penalties as outlined in the indictment.
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