Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and others for allegedly stealing FEMA disaster-relief funds to finance her 2021 congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick's lawyers deny the allegations and plan to defend her. If found guilty, she could face a long prison sentence and lose her seat in Congress.
Key Facts
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a U.S. Representative from Florida, faces charges of stealing FEMA disaster-relief funds.
- Prosecutors claim the stolen funds were used to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
- Her family health care company allegedly received FEMA overpayments linked to a COVID-19 contract.
- The indictment also involves her brother and suggests funds were moved through different accounts to hide their origin.
- Cherfilus-McCormick's staff allegedly used fake donors for more campaign contributions.
- Republican Representative Greg Steube plans to censure her and remove her from congressional committees.
- In addition to this case, she faces a separate ethics inquiry concerning her personal income and former business practices.
- If convicted, she could face imprisonment and leave her position in the U.S. House of Representatives.
