Summary
Florida Democrat Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of altering a holiday photo to remove a diamond ring she allegedly bought with stolen funds. She has been indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in disaster relief money intended for COVID-19 efforts. Cherfilus-McCormick denies the charges and is pleading not guilty.
Key Facts
- Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of altering a photo posted on social media to remove a diamond ring.
- She was charged with stealing about $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster-relief funds.
- Prosecutors claim the stolen money was funneled into her 2021 congressional campaign.
- Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, faces similar charges related to diverting COVID-19 relief funds.
- If found guilty, Cherfilus-McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison.
- The investigation into these allegations is ongoing.
