Federal prosecutors indict Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for directing $5M in COVID funds to campaign account

A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on charges she stole $5 million in disaster relief funds to finance her 2021 congressional campaign.

A federal indictment alleges Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother Edwin Cherfilus secured funding intended for a COVID-19 vaccine distribution program, but that when overpayments were made, she routed the spending through several accounts that later donated the money as contributions to her campaign.

“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “No 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.”

Should Cherfilus-McCormick be found guilty of all counts in the indictment, the 46-year-old could face up to 53 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.

The allegations mirror those being investigated by the House Ethics Committee. The Office of Congressional Conduct released a report in May saying the Congresswoman may have violated federal law.

The federal indictment lays out as much in criminal charges for money laundering and stealing disaster funds.

Prosecutors say Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, of Miramar, arranged for donations through “straw donors” to funnel money received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a network of family and friends.

Then Cherfilus-McCormick and tax preparer Davis Spencer filed false tax returns falsely claimed political spending and personal expenses as business deductions and inflated charitable contributions.

Cherfilus also faces charges that could result in 35 years in prison, while LeBlanc facs 10 years and Spencer 33 years.

“Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “This indictment reflects our Office’s commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer. Public money belongs to the American people. When FEMA funds are diverted for personal or political gain, it erodes trust and harms us all. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are used as intended and that the public’s trust is safeguarded.”

Reding Quiñones announced the charges with FBI Special Agent Brett Skiles and IRS Special Agent Ronald A. Loecker. Both agents work in Florida field offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra L. López and Yeney Hernández and Justice Criminal Division Trial Attorney John P. Taddei will prosecute the case.

Elijah Manley, a Democratic Primary opponent, pounced on the grand jury news.

“Today’s indictment is a sad moment for the people of Florida’s 20th Congressional District,” he said. “I am disappointed in the Congresswoman for abusing the power she was given and instead used to enrich herself and her family. The people of FL-20 are ready to move past this era of fraud, corruption, and distractions.”

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Jesse Scheckner contributed to this report.