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U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of nearly $5 million. The 10-count indictment, unsealed in the Southern District of Florida, accuses the congresswoman of wire fraud, theft of government funds, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
The charges stem from her time as CEO of Trinity Health Care Services, a family-run company. Prosecutors allege that between March and August 2021, Cherfilus-McCormick directed Trinity to submit fraudulent invoices to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), which was administering FEMA funds for a COVID-19 vaccination program. According to the indictment, she falsely claimed millions in expenses for work that was never performed or was grossly inflated, securing nearly $5 million in unauthorized government payments.
A significant portion of the illicitly obtained funds was allegedly funneled into her political ambitions. The Justice Department claims Cherfilus-McCormick used the money for personal expenses and to inject over $1 million into her 2022 special election campaign. This financial boost was critical in helping her narrowly win a crowded Democratic primary before securing her seat representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. Federal prosecutors assert she attempted to conceal the scheme by creating backdated documents and a false promissory note after her election.
The indictment also includes serious allegations of obstruction. Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of witness tampering by attempting to corruptly persuade a potential grand jury witness. Furthermore, she allegedly made false statements to federal agents during the investigation into the matter.
Appearing in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Cherfilus-McCormick pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her attorney, Adam Fels, stated she is "innocent of these charges and will vigorously fight this." He characterized the case as a politically motivated prosecution that stems from what he described as a simple "billing dispute" with the state. If convicted on all counts, the congresswoman could face a lengthy prison sentence.
