Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly stealing disaster relief funds. Prosecutors say the money was used to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, are accused of laundering $5 million from a FEMA contract awarded to their family business. Officials claim a large portion of the funds went directly to the lawmaker’s campaign.
In addition, Cherfilus-McCormick is charged with using straw donors. The alleged scheme involved funneling FEMA funds to friends, who then donated to her campaign. She also faces a charge of conspiring to file a false federal tax return.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the actions “selfish” and “cynical,” adding that no public official is above the law. “We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice,” Bondi said.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s legal team, including attorneys David Oscar Markus, Margot Moss, and Melissa Madrigal, issued a statement defending the congresswoman. They described her as a “committed public servant” who plans to “fight to clear her good name.”
Cherfilus-McCormick won her congressional seat after a tightly contested Democratic primary in 2021. The race was held following the death of Rep. Alcee Hastings in the Fort Lauderdale area. She narrowly defeated former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness by just five votes. She then won the 2022 general election by a wide margin.
Campaign finance records show that Cherfilus-McCormick spent heavily to secure her primary victory. She loaned her campaign $3.7 million, outspending other candidates and gaining a clear advantage.
In 2023, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Cherfilus-McCormick. The inquiry looked into possible campaign finance violations during both the special election and her 2022 reelection campaign. The Office of Congressional Conduct has reportedly found additional suspicious activity during this investigation.
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick could face significant fines and potential prison time. The case has drawn national attention, raising questions about the oversight of disaster relief funds and the use of campaign financing by elected officials.
Political analysts note that the indictment could have repercussions in Florida politics. Voter trust in public officials, especially those accused of misusing federal funds, may be affected as the case moves through the courts.
Cherfilus-McCormick remains in office while facing the charges. Her attorneys emphasized that she will continue her work in Congress and defend herself vigorously against the allegations.
The Justice Department continues to investigate the full extent of the alleged fraud. Officials stress that the case underscores the need for accountability in government spending and the proper use of federal aid.
