According to ABC News, U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging she stole $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds and laundered the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
The Justice Department announced the indictment on Wednesday, alleging that Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, 51, received a $5 million overpayment in FEMA funds directed to their family health care company. The money was originally intended for a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021.
The indictment further alleges that the Congresswoman and other co-defendants then conspired to use the overpaid disaster relief funds to benefit her political campaign. This allegedly included routing the money through multiple accounts to disguise its source and arranging a series of straw donors, including friends and relatives, to funnel the money as campaign donations.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement published by ABC News. “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.”
The federal investigation into the Congresswoman’s alleged activities dates back to the Biden administration, according to multiple current and former administration officials who spoke to ABC News. The House Ethics Committee publicly stated in January 2025 that it was also investigating Cherfilus-McCormick following a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics in September 2023.
If convicted, the Florida lawmaker faces a maximum sentence of up to 53 years in prison.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick denied the charges, calling the legal action “unjust” and a “sham.”
“This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment — and I am innocent,” she stated. “The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. 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.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was asked for his reaction Wednesday evening, telling reporters that Cherfilus-McCormick is “innocent until proven guilty.” A spokesperson for Jeffries, Christie Stephenson, also confirmed in a statement that Cherfilus-McCormick will “take leave” from her position as ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa “while this matter is ongoing.”
Hy Lo News will continue to provide updates on this story.
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