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2 weeks ago
Cherfilus and McCormick Steal Disaster Funds, Risk Censure
Cherfilus and McCormick Steal Disaster Funds, Risk Censure
U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, has been indicted on charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds meant for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The indictment, filed by the Justice Department, alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick diverted these funds for personal gain, using some of the money to support her 2021 campaign. According to prosecutors, a portion of the overpayments she claimed from Trinity Healthcare Services, a company her family owned and which had received federal funding for COVID-19 vaccination staffing, was redirected to her campaign through candidate contributions.
Cherfilus-McCormick's indictment comes amid a broader pattern of financial misconduct allegations against her. A Florida state agency had already sued her family's company, Trinity Healthcare Services, over nearly $5.8 million in overpayments made after hiring the company to register COVID-19 vaccination sites. The Office of Congressional Ethics noted that Cherfilus-McCormick's income in 2021 was significantly higher than in previous years, largely due to these large consulting and profit-sharing fees from Trinity Healthcare Services, which her family controlled.
The case has sparked concerns about the use of disaster relief funds and the potential for abuse by political figures. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that no one is above the law, especially those in positions of power. The indictment marks a significant legal challenge for Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces the possibility of censure if the charges are upheld.