Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reiterated her innocence in the case where she is facing charges related to the alleged theft of $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat representing Florida's 20th Congressional District, was scheduled to be arraigned, but her attorney requested a delay so she could finalize her legal team. Prosecutors did not object, and U.S. District Judge Lisette Reid rescheduled the arraignment for Jan. 20. The hearing lasted less than five minutes.
"I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent," Cherfilus-McCormick said after leaving the courthouse, as per The Associated Press. "In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I'm committed to the people of Florida and my district."
She has pleaded not guilty to 15 federal counts, including theft of government funds, money laundering, making and receiving straw donor contributions, and conspiracy. Prosecutors allege the funds were improperly retained by Trinity Healthcare Services, a company owned by her family, which had a federal contract in 2021 to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations.
According to the indictment, the company requested $50,000 but mistakenly received $5 million and failed to return the excess. Prosecutors say the money was later distributed to friends and relatives, some of whom donated to Cherfilus-McCormick's congressional campaign. The indictment also alleges that more than $100,000 was spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring within two months of receiving the funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick's attorney, David Oscar Markus, said the case stems from accounting errors that would not normally be treated as criminal offenses, adding that he believes the prosecution is politically motivated.
She was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond. As part of her release conditions, she surrendered her personal passport and is restricted to travel between Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland and the Eastern District of Virginia, though she retains a congressional passport for official duties.
The Justice Department announced the indictment in November, with Attorney General Pam Bondi stating that misuse of disaster relief funds for personal or political gain would be pursued aggressively. Her office has said she does not plan to resign and will continue cooperating with authorities as the case proceeds.
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