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A Florida congresswoman charged with conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds formally pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, nearly three months after her indictment.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was not present for the arraignment in Miami federal court. Her attorney, William Barzee, entered the plea on her behalf, explaining that she was in Washington, D.C., where Congress has been debating funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
“She’s eager to get back to work,” Barzee said after the hearing. “She’s up in Washington right now fighting for her constituents, and her main focus is representing the people in her district.”
Barzee took over Cherfilus-McCormick’s case just this week. Her previous attorney, David Oscar Markus, had requested multiple postponements of the arraignment while the congresswoman resolved financial issues before ultimately withdrawing from the case, citing scheduling conflicts.
The Democratic representative faces 15 federal counts accusing her of misappropriating funds that were erroneously overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services, her family’s health care company, in 2021. This occurred prior to her election to Congress. The company had contracted with the state to provide COVID-19 vaccination registration services.
According to the federal indictment, the health care company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family had requested $50,000 through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract but mistakenly received $5 million. Prosecutors allege the congresswoman and her associates failed to return the excess funds.
Within two months of receiving the funds, prosecutors claim more than $100,000 was spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for Cherfilus-McCormick. The indictment further alleges that the funds were distributed to various accounts, including those of friends and relatives, who subsequently made donations to Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional campaign—a potential violation of federal campaign finance laws.
Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond. The judge imposed travel restrictions, allowing her to move only between Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia. While her personal passport was surrendered, she retained her congressional passport to perform essential duties related to her position.
“It’s surprising that the DOJ would take on a case after it’s been resolved and after there was an agreement to repay all of the funds that were improperly sent to her,” Barzee commented, referring to a prior civil settlement.
The Florida Department of Emergency Management had previously sued Trinity Healthcare in civil court over the matter. The company agreed to repay all of the money last year as part of a settlement with the state. However, this civil resolution did not prevent federal prosecutors from pursuing criminal charges.
The case highlights increasing scrutiny of pandemic relief funds and their potential misuse. During the COVID-19 crisis, federal and state agencies distributed unprecedented amounts of emergency funding, often with expedited processes that sometimes lacked robust oversight mechanisms. The Justice Department has made investigating and prosecuting COVID-19 relief fraud a priority in recent years.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents Florida’s 20th Congressional District encompassing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, won a special election in January 2022 following the death of Representative Alcee Hastings in 2021. Before entering Congress, she served as CEO of Trinity Healthcare Services.
The charges against her include theft of government funds, making and receiving straw donor contributions, aiding and assisting false and fraudulent statements on tax returns, money laundering, and conspiracy charges associated with each count. If convicted, she could face significant prison time and fines.
The case continues to develop as Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her congressional duties while preparing her legal defense.
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8 Comments
The misappropriation of COVID-19 relief funds is a serious charge. I’ll be interested to see how the congresswoman’s defense plays out in court. Transparency and integrity in government spending should be a top priority, especially during a crisis.
Agreed, the public deserves to know the facts behind these allegations. Hopefully the legal process will provide clarity and accountability, regardless of the outcome.
This case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability, especially when it comes to emergency funding programs. While the details are still emerging, it’s crucial that any misuse of public money is swiftly addressed. The constituents deserve honest representation.
It’s troubling to see elected officials accused of stealing funds intended to support communities during the pandemic. However, the congresswoman maintains her innocence and says she’s focused on her duties. I’ll be watching this case closely to see how it unfolds.
Agreed, it’s concerning if the allegations are true. But the legal process should play out before making conclusions. Hopefully the facts will become clear and justice will be served, whichever way it goes.
This is a serious allegation against the congresswoman. If true, it’s concerning to see public officials misusing COVID-19 funds meant to help people in need. Regardless of the outcome, it’s important the investigation is thorough and the facts come to light.
I agree, misuse of public funds is a major breach of trust. The congresswoman’s defense that she was focused on her duties in Washington is notable, but the charges still need to be properly addressed.
This is a concerning development, but it’s important to let the legal process unfold before rushing to judgment. The congresswoman maintains her innocence, and we should wait to see what evidence is presented. Responsible use of public funds is critical, especially during a pandemic.