Florida Congressman Indicted for Allegedly Misusing Disaster Relief Funds

A federal grand jury has indicted a Democratic congressman from Florida over allegations of misappropriating millions in disaster relief funds from FEMA, which were allegedly used for campaign donations.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-Fla.) is reportedly accused of “receiving $5 million in overpayments from FEMA” in July 2021 and allegedly transferring these funds to various accounts to hide their source. Some of this money was purportedly funneled into contributions for McCormick’s 2021 Congressional campaign, as stated in a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

At that time, she and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, were reportedly contracted through their family-run healthcare company to provide COVID-19 vaccinations funded by FEMA. The indictment details how the company received substantial overpayments:

Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, 46, along with her brother Edwin, 51, was involved in FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contracts in 2021 through their family’s health care business. In July of that year, they allegedly obtained a $5 million overpayment from FEMA.

The indictment claims they conspired to misappropriate the funds and launder them through multiple accounts to disguise their origin. Prosecutors assert that a large portion of the stolen funds was used for contributions to McCormick’s campaign and for personal expenses.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commented, saying, “Using disaster relief funds for personal gain is a particularly selfish and cynical crime. No one is above the law, especially those in power who rob taxpayers for their own benefit.”

According to the indictment, Cherfilus McCormick and another individual, Nadège LeBlanc, were alleged to have utilized straw donors to “arrange for additional donations” and redirected money from FEMA contracts to friends and family.

These funds were then claimed to be “personal funds” when donated to McCormick’s campaign, according to the press release.

The indictment also includes charges against McCormick and “2021 Tax Preparer David K. Spencer, 41,” for “conspiring to file false federal tax returns.” He’s accused of exaggerating personal expenses as business deductions and inflating charitable contributions to lower his tax liabilities.

If found guilty, McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison, while her brother could face up to 35 years. LeBlanc may face up to 10 years, and Spencer up to 33 years.

These developments come amid an ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which has been looking into Cherfilus McCormick’s conduct since December 2023.