In a case that has stirred major controversy in Florida, Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has been indicted for allegedly diverting federal emergency relief funds from FEMA and then laundering the money to support her political career. According to the Department of Justice, the amount involved is estimated at roughly $5 million.
The DOJ’s announcement explains that a federal grand jury in Miami charged Cherfilus-McCormick and several associates with stealing disaster-relief money, concealing the funds through financial transactions, and directing part of the proceeds into her 2021 congressional campaign.
Prosecutors say that Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, 51, operated through their family-run health care company during a FEMA-supported COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. In July of that year, the company reportedly received an accidental overpayment of $5 million from FEMA.
The indictment claims that the defendants then moved the money through various bank accounts to hide its true source. A significant share of those funds allegedly ended up financing Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign and covering personal expenses.
Investigators also say they uncovered an additional scheme involving straw donors. According to the DOJ, Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, arranged for friends and relatives to make campaign contributions using money originating from the FEMA-funded contract, disguising the donations as if they came from the individuals themselves.
Furthermore, the indictment accuses the congresswoman and her 2021 tax preparer, David K. Spencer, 41, of conspiring to file a fraudulent federal tax return. Prosecutors allege they falsely listed political spending and various personal costs as business deductions, while also overstating charitable contributions to reduce her tax liability.
If convicted on all charges, Cherfilus-McCormick could face a maximum sentence of up to 53 years in federal prison.
Commenting on the case, AG Pam Bondi emphasized the severity of misusing disaster-relief funds, stating, “Taking money meant for emergency relief is an especially selfish and cynical act. No one is above the law, including public officials who exploit taxpayers for personal benefit. We will follow the evidence and ensure justice is served.”
