At a Miami federal courthouse on Monday, U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reiterated her innocence in connection with allegations accusing her of scheming to unlawfully obtain $5 million from federal COVID-19 disaster relief funds. The Florida congresswoman entered a plea of not guilty to the 15 federal charges leveled against her, which stem from claims that funds erroneously overpaid to her family’s healthcare business were stolen in 2021.
The arraignment hearing, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed at the request of Cherfilus-McCormick's legal counsel to January 20 to allow completion of the legal team assembly. This short court session lasted under five minutes and met no opposition from prosecutors, with Judge Lisette Reid approving the rescheduling.
Immediately following the hearing, Cherfilus-McCormick publicly stated, "I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent. In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district." She emphasized her dedication to her constituents amid the ongoing legal process.
The charges against the Democratic congresswoman include theft of government funds, making and receiving straw donor contributions, assisting with false statements on a tax return, money laundering, and related conspiracy counts. These allegations arise from payments made to Trinity Healthcare Services—a family-owned company that held a contract to register individuals for COVID-19 vaccinations. According to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick’s brother, Edwin Cherfilus, requested $50,000, but instead the company received $5 million and did not remit the excess funds.
Federal prosecutors claim that within two months of receiving the overpayment in 2021, over $100,000 from these funds were used to purchase a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman. Further, they assert that money funneled through Trinity Healthcare was disbursed to various accounts, including those of friends and relatives, who then contributed to Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional campaign.
Following her arrest in November, Cherfilus-McCormick was released on a $60,000 bond. The court mandated that she surrender her personal passport and restricted her travel to Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia. However, she retains her congressional passport to facilitate her duties as a member of Congress.
In defense, Cherfilus-McCormick’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, argued that the case revolves around errors that typically would not equate to misdemeanors or felonies and suggested that the charges may be politically motivated. Cherfilus-McCormick’s office has affirmed that she intends to remain in office and has cooperated with all lawful requests during the investigation.
Cherfilus-McCormick secured her congressional seat in a special election held in January 2022 for Florida’s 20th district, which comprises parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, following the death of former Representative Alcee Hastings in 2021. She continues to serve while the legal proceedings develop.