MIAMI â U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat representing South Florida, has been indicted on federal charges accusing her of stealing $5 million in disaster relief funds â and diverting part of the money to support her own political campaign, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
According to prosecutors, Cherfilus-McCormick siphoned off millions in inflated or improper payments that her family-owned health care company received through a federally funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract with FEMA. Instead of returning the excess funds, investigators say she used a portion of the money to bolster her 2021 congressional bid.
DOJ: Disaster Funds Became a Personal Piggy Bank
âUsing disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,â Attorney General Pam Bondi said. âNo 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.â
Cherfilus-McCormickâs office in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.
A Pattern of Financial Red Flags
Cherfilus-McCormick took office in 2022 after winning the special election to replace the late Rep. Alcee Hastings. But questions about the congresswomanâs finances have grown louder over the last year.
In December 2024, Floridaâs Division of Emergency Management sued Trinity Healthcare Services â the company run by Cherfilus-McCormickâs family â accusing it of overbilling taxpayers by nearly $5.8 million during its COVID-19 vaccination registration contract. The case centers on a stunning $5 million overpayment that state officials say the company refused to return.
At the time of the alleged overbilling, Cherfilus-McCormick served as the CEO of Trinity.
A separate January report from the Office of Congressional Ethics revealed that her personal income for 2021 jumped more than $6 million compared to the previous year â almost entirely due to $5.75 million in âconsulting and profit-sharing feesâ linked to Trinity.
Congressional Ethics Committee Already Investigating
The House Ethics Committee had already taken note. In July, the panel unanimously voted to extend an investigation into allegations involving the Florida Democrat, including potential misuse of campaign funds and financial disclosure issues.
Now, with a federal indictment on the table, Cherfilus-McCormick faces the most serious legal threat of her political career â one that could determine not only her future in Congress but the future of the 20th District seat she has held for less than three years.
