MIAMI (AP) — U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has formally pleaded not guilty to charges accusing her of conspiring to misappropriate $5 million in federal funds allocated for COVID-19 relief. The congresswoman was not present during her arraignment in Miami, with her attorney entering the plea on her behalf while she participated in Congressional duties in Washington, D.C.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents Florida's 20th District, is facing a daunting 15 federal counts related to the alleged theft of disaster funds intended for public health measures, particularly vaccination efforts.
The indictment claims that the funds were mistakenly overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services, a health care company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick's family, during a contract to assist with COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021. It alleges that significant portions of the misappropriated funds were subsequently funneled into personal expenditures, including a luxury piece of jewelry.
Sheila's attorney, William Barzee, criticized the Department of Justice for pursuing charges following a civil settlement where Trinity Healthcare agreed to refund the improperly transferred funds. Cherfilus-McCormick was released on a $60,000 bond following her arrest in November.
Following the allegations, the congresswoman emphasizes her commitment to her role, asserting a dedicated focus on her constituents amidst the ongoing legal battle. The charges further include serious accusations such as money laundering and conspiracy, weaving a complex narrative around public trust and accountability in government during a time of crisis.
The case has attracted considerable media attention as it plays out within a larger societal context of financial accountability during the pandemic, raising questions of integrity in public service.
