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U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly misappropriating $5 million in disaster relief funds, part of which prosecutors say was used to finance her 2021 congressional campaign.
The Justice Department announced Wednesday that the Florida Democrat is accused of stealing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) overpayments received by her family’s health care business through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract. According to prosecutors, a portion of these funds was channeled into her campaign through political contributions.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “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.”
Cherfilus-McCormick’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the indictment.
The congresswoman was elected to Florida’s 20th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, in a 2022 special election following the death of Rep. Alcee Hastings in 2021. Her election was notable as she became the first Haitian American Democrat to serve in Congress.
This indictment follows months of mounting legal and ethical scrutiny. In December 2024, the Florida Division of Emergency Management filed a lawsuit against Trinity Healthcare Services, a company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family. The state agency alleged that Trinity overcharged it by nearly $5.8 million for COVID-19 vaccination registration services during the pandemic and refused to return the funds.
According to the lawsuit, the agency discovered the issue after noticing a single $5 million overpayment to Trinity Healthcare Services. Cherfilus-McCormick served as the company’s CEO at the time of these payments.
The Office of Congressional Ethics shed further light on the financial irregularities in a January report, revealing that Cherfilus-McCormick’s income in 2021 surged by more than $6 million compared to the previous year. This dramatic increase was largely attributed to nearly $5.75 million she received from Trinity Healthcare Services in consulting and profit-sharing fees.
The allegations have also prompted an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which in July unanimously voted to reauthorize an investigative subcommittee to examine the claims against the congresswoman.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the oversight of pandemic relief funds, which were disbursed rapidly during the national emergency. The federal government allocated trillions of dollars in emergency aid during the COVID-19 crisis, creating opportunities for potential misuse or fraud. FEMA, in particular, was responsible for billions in emergency funding to support vaccination efforts across the country.
For Cherfilus-McCormick, the indictment comes at a politically precarious time, as she is still relatively early in her congressional career. Prior to entering politics, she built her reputation in the healthcare sector as the CEO of Trinity Healthcare Services, a position that now forms the centerpiece of the allegations against her.
The indictment raises significant questions about the intersection of her business interests and political ambitions, particularly regarding the timing of the alleged fund misappropriation in relation to her 2021 campaign.
If convicted, the congresswoman could face substantial penalties, including prison time and fines. The case also adds to a series of recent ethics controversies in Congress, further eroding public trust in elected officials.
The Justice Department has emphasized that its investigation is ongoing, suggesting that additional details may emerge as the case progresses through the legal system.
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20 Comments
The use of disaster relief funds for personal or political gain is unacceptable. I hope this case serves as a wake-up call for increased scrutiny.
Regardless of party affiliation, any public official found guilty of such crimes should face severe consequences.
While the allegations are concerning, I’ll withhold judgment until the facts are fully established. Due process is important, even for public officials.
Regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures around disaster relief funds.
This is a serious allegation. If true, it’s a betrayal of the public trust. I hope the investigation is thorough and any wrongdoing is fully addressed.
Disaster relief funds should be used for their intended purpose, not personal gain. I’m glad the authorities are looking into this.
This is a disappointing development. Constituents deserve representatives who put service above self-interest.
If proven true, this would be a clear breach of the public trust. Elected leaders must be held to the highest ethical standards.
If the allegations are true, this is a serious abuse of power. Elected representatives should be serving the public, not lining their own pockets.
If true, this would be a clear violation of the public trust. I’m interested to see how the justice system responds.
This is a troubling development. I’ll be closely following the progress of this investigation.
This case raises troubling questions about the use of public funds. I’m curious to see how the legal process unfolds and what reforms may be needed.
Using emergency funds for campaign financing is very concerning. Public officials must be held accountable for misusing taxpayer money, regardless of party affiliation.
This type of alleged fraud erodes public confidence in government. I hope the justice system deals with this case swiftly and appropriately.
Allegations of this nature are always concerning. I hope the investigation is conducted thoroughly and impartially.
Misuse of disaster relief funds is a serious offense. I’m curious to see how this case progresses and what lessons can be learned.
Disaster relief funds are critical for supporting communities in need. Any misuse of these resources is unacceptable.
I hope this case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
Misappropriating disaster relief funds is unacceptable. The public deserves transparency and integrity from their elected officials.
I hope the investigation uncovers the full extent of any wrongdoing and ensures appropriate consequences.