At a Glance
- U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick declares innocence amid $5 million COVID-fund theft charges.
- New arraignment set for Jan. 20 to allow her legal team to finalize.
- She faces 15 federal counts including theft, money laundering, and conspiracy.
- Why it matters: The case could affect her congressional seat and raises questions about federal COVID-disaster fund oversight.
MIAMI (News Of Austin) – U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reiterated her innocence Monday outside a Miami federal courthouse, where she faces charges of conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds. She stands outside the courthouse, insisting she is innocent as prosecutors move forward with a $5 million fraud case linked to her family’s health-care company.
Court Hearing and Plea
The scheduled arraignment was postponed to Jan. 20 after her attorney requested time to secure a new legal team. Judge Lisette Reid accepted the request, and the brief hearing lasted less than five minutes.
Cherfilus-McCormick stated:
> “I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent.”
Cherfilus-McCormick added:
> “In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district.”
She has pleaded not guilty and is charged with 15 federal counts that allege the misappropriation of overpaid funds from a COVID-vaccination staffing contract.
Charges and Allegations
The indictment claims that within two months of receiving the funds in 2021, more than $100,000 was spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman.
- $5 million overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services, a family-owned company.
- $100,000 spent on a diamond ring within two months of receipt.
- Funds distributed to various accounts, including friends and relatives who donated to her campaign.
| Charge | Description | Counts |
|---|---|---|
| Theft of government funds | Misappropriation of federal COVID-disaster funds | 1 |
| Straw donor contributions | Making and receiving illegal campaign donations | 1 |
| False tax statement | Aiding and assisting a false statement on a tax return | 1 |
| Money laundering | Processing illicit funds | 1 |
| Conspiracy | Associated with each of the above counts | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
She was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond. The judge also required her to surrender her personal passport and restricted her travel to Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia.
Despite these restrictions, she retains a congressional passport to perform official duties.
Political Context
Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election in January 2022 to represent Florida’s 20th District after Rep. Alcee Hastings died in 2021.
- She does not plan to resign.
- She has cooperated with every lawful request and will continue until the matter resolves.
Key Takeaways
- Cherfilus-McCormick maintains innocence while facing 15 federal counts tied to a $5 million fraud case.
- The arraignment has been rescheduled to Jan. 20 to allow her legal team to finalize.
- She remains in office, pledges no resignation, and cooperates with authorities.
The case will unfold in the coming weeks as the court prepares to proceed with the full trial.
