A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment charging Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
According to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, both of Miramar, worked through their family health-care company on a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. In July 2021, the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to steal that $5 million and routed it through multiple accounts to disguise its source. Prosecutors allege that a substantial portion of the misappropriated funds was used as candidate contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and for the personal benefit of the defendants.
The indictment further alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, of Miramar, arranged additional contributions using straw donors, funnelling other monies from the FEMA-funded Covid-19 contract to friends and relatives who then donated to the campaign as if using their own money.
The indictment also charges Cherfilus-McCormick and her 2021 tax preparer, David K. Spencer, 41, of Davie, with conspiring to file a false federal tax return.
According to the indictment, they falsely claimed political spending and other personal expenses as business deductions and inflated charitable contributions in order to reduce her tax obligations.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela 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.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated, “Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law. 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.”
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison. Edwin Cherfilus faces up to 35 years, Leblanc up to 10 years, and Spencer up to 33 years.
However, in response to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick said, “This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment — and I am innocent. The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.
“I am deeply grateful for the support of my district, and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I look forward to my day in court. Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents.”
Cherfilus-McCormick serves on the House Committee on Veteran Affairs and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.
She is also the Chair of the Global Women’s Issues Task Force for the Democratic Women’s Caucus, a Co-Chair of the Haiti Caucus, and serves as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Cherfilus-McCormick earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Howard University. In further pursuit of education, the Congresswoman also earned a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University.
While in office, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick remains committed to tackling the growing housing crisis, inadequate access to quality health care, and the lack of equitable opportunities throughout our district and country.
On the penultimate Wednesday, Cherfilus-McCormick voted “no” on a government funding bill that turns its back on working families and does nothing to protect South Floridians from skyrocketing healthcare costs.
She said, “For 43 long days, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, our troops, and public servants across this nation sacrificed their paychecks and well-being to keep our country safe and running. They showed up for America, even when America wasn’t showing up for them.
“And after all that suffering and sacrifice, this bill still fails to deliver what our families desperately need: relief from crushing healthcare costs. It does nothing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits or make health insurance more affordable for the people I represent in South Florida.”
The congresswoman further explained, “I did not come to Washington to play politics. I came here to fight for the livelihoods and dignity of my constituents—for the mother in Lauderdale Lakes choosing between groceries and insulin, for the retiree in West Palm Beach rationing medication to make it last, for the father who told me during the shutdown that he was terrified of what would happen if his child got sick without insurance. His fear stays with me. His story is why I cannot, and will not, vote for a bill that leaves people like him behind.
“Our communities deserve better than empty promises and political games.
“They deserve leadership that listens to their pain and acts with compassion. In the meantime, I will keep fighting for a healthcare system that works for everyone: for affordable care, fair wages, and a government that truly serves the people who keep this country running.”
