U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida appeared through legal representation to enter a formal not guilty plea to federal accusations regarding the mishandling of $5 million in coronavirus relief money. This arraignment took place on a Tuesday in Miami federal court. Cherfilus-McCormick did not attend personally, with her new attorney, William Barzee, representing her interests and submitting the plea on her behalf.
Barzee noted that Cherfilus-McCormick was currently engaged in legislative duties in Washington, D.C., where discussions concerning funding for the Department of Homeland Security were underway. He emphasized her eagerness to resume her duties as a congresswoman, prioritizing service to her constituents.
The transitional legal representation followed the departure of prior counsel, David Oscar Markus, who had sought multiple delays to resolve financial complications for Cherfilus-McCormick but ultimately withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
The charges against Cherfilus-McCormick comprise 15 counts related to allegations of conspiracy and theft of federal disaster funds issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors contend that in 2021, prior to her tenure as an elected official, funds were erroneously disbursed to her family's enterprise, Trinity Healthcare Services. This company held contracts related to the registration of individuals for COVID-19 vaccinations.
The congresswoman was taken into custody in November and released on a $60,000 bond. As terms of release, the court required her to surrender her personal passport and limited her travel to Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia. She retains a congressional passport to fulfill official duties.
A federal indictment details that roughly two months after receiving the funds, expenditures included over $100,000 on an expensive 3-carat yellow diamond ring associated with Cherfilus-McCormick. The indictment further explains that while a $50,000 request was made by her brother Edwin Cherfilus, Trinity Healthcare actually received a mistaken payment of $5 million, none of which was returned.
Further allegations state that the funds were dispersed across various accounts, including those of associates and family members, who subsequently contributed to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign for Congress. It is noted that the Florida Department of Emergency Management had previously filed a civil suit against Trinity Healthcare, culminating in a settlement requiring full repayment of the funds in question.
Barzee expressed surprise at the Department of Justice pursuing criminal charges after the state's civil resolution and reimbursement, highlighting the prior settlement as a significant factor.
Cherfilus-McCormick secured her congressional seat in a January 2022 special election representing Florida’s 20th District, which encompasses regions of Broward and Palm Beach counties. This election followed the passing of former Rep. Alcee Hastings in 2021.
The scope of charges includes theft of government property, illicit campaign finance practices involving straw donors, facilitating false statements on tax returns, money laundering activities, and conspiracy linked to each allegation.