Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Denies COVID-19 Fund Theft Charges

Sun Feb 15 2026 04:34:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence as she faces serious federal charges related to the alleged theft of $5 million in COVID-19 disaster relief funds intended for her family's health care company. This article delves into the allegations, the legal proceedings, and the political implications surrounding the case.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, facing 15 federal charges of conspiracy and theft concerning COVID-19 funds, has pleaded not guilty and asserts her innocence. The case revolves around alleged overpayments to her family's health care firm, which were supposedly funneled into campaign contributions. Cherfilus-McCormick has called the charges politically motivated, and despite the serious allegations, she intends to remain in office.

MIAMI (AP) — U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reiterated her innocence Monday outside a Miami federal courthouse, where she faces charges of conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds.

Scheduled for arraignment, her attorney successfully requested a delay until January 20, allowing her to finalize legal representation. Judge Lisette Reid approved the short hearing, which lasted less than five minutes. I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent, Cherfilus-McCormick asserted after court. In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district.

As a Democrat, Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to 15 federal counts stemming from accusations of illegally diverting funds overpaid to her family’s health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, in 2021, which was contracted to handle COVID-19 vaccination registrations. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, characterized the case as politically motivated and asserted that the alleged mistakes do not constitute felonies.

She was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond, with restrictions that include surrendering her personal passport, allowing travel only within specific boundaries for her congressional duties.

The indictment claims that shortly after receiving the funds, over $100,000 was spent on a luxury diamond ring for the congresswoman. The discrepancies stemmed from her brother's request for $50,000, which resulted in a $5 million windfall that was not returned.

Prosecutors allege the funds were misappropriated, with distributions made to friends and relatives who subsequently donated to her congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election in January 2022 for Florida’s 20th District after Rep. Alcee Hastings' passing.

The allegations against her include theft of government funds, making and receiving straw donor contributions, aiding false tax statements, money laundering, and conspiracy related to each count. Despite the charges, her office has indicated that she does not plan to resign and has vowed to cooperate fully with legal inquiries.