MIAMI — U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., has been indicted on charges of stealing $5 million in FEMA funds and making illegal campaign contributions, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
She represents parts of West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
WATCH BELOW: Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick indicted on charges of stealing $5M in disaster funds
According to the DOJ indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, both of Miramar, worked through their family health care company on a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. In July 2021, the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds.
It alleges they conspired to steal the funds and route them through multiple accounts to disguise the source. A large portion of the funds was reportedly used as campaign contributions to her 2021 congressional campaign.
WPTV previously reported that Cherfilus-McCormick's salary from her consulting businesses increased by $6 million over the course of one year.
She's also facing charges of conspiring to file a false federal tax return with her 2021 tax preparer, David K. Spencer.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated, "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. 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 that American taxpayer dollars are used as intended and that the public's trust is safeguarded."
The Florida Division of Emergency Management said it made a series of overpayments to Trinity Healthcare Services after hiring it in 2021 to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations. The agency says it discovered the problem after a single $5 million overpayment drew attention.
Cherfilus-McCormick was the CEO of Trinity at the time.
The Office of Congressional Ethics said in a January report that Cherfilus-McCormick's income in 2021 was more than $6 million higher than in 2020, driven by nearly $5.75 million in consulting and profit-sharing fees received from Trinity Healthcare Services.
In July, the House Ethics Committee unanimously voted to reauthorize an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations involving Cherfilus-McCormick.
Cherfilus-McCormick was first elected to Congress in 2022 in the 20th District, representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, in a special election after Rep. Alcee Hastings died in 2021.
If convicted, she faces up to 53 years in prison.
Cherfilus-McCormick released the following statement after Wednesday's indictment:
"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. 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."
What about her seat in Congress?
While Cherfilus-McCormick intends to continue representing her South Florida district, she is stepping down from her position as ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Thursday.
"Consistent with the United States Constitution, she is entitled to her day in court and the presumption of innocence," Jeffries said in a statement, adding that the move to step down is in line with the rules of the House Democratic Caucus.
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Republican who represents parts of Sarasota and Charlotte Counties in southwest Florida, called Thursday for her resignation. If the congresswoman doesn't resign, Steube said he'd bring a resolution to the floor to expel her.
"Defrauding the federal government and disaster victims of $5 million is an automatic disqualifier from serving in elected office," Steube posted on X.
The last member of Congress to be expelled was scandal-plagued Rep. George Santos of New York. Santos had not yet been convicted of federal charges, and House Speaker Mike Johnson voted against it at the time, expressing concern about setting a precedent of expelling members based on untried allegations.
Below is Jeffries' full statement on the indictment:
"Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has proudly represented the people of Palm Beach and Broward Counties since 2022. Consistent with the United States Constitution, she is entitled to her day in court and the presumption of innocence. Pursuant to the Rules of the House Democratic Caucus, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick will take leave from her position as Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa while this matter is ongoing."
