Congresswoman Indicted for Stealing $5M FEMA Funds

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) was federally indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, routing them through a family health care company to finance her 2021 congressional campaign, and now faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted. The Justice Department alleges Cherfilus-McCormick, her brother Edwin Cherfilus, and co-defendant Nadege Leblanc conspired to steal an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds received by their family health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, for a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract.

Prosecutors claim the funds were disguised through multiple accounts and used for campaign contributions, including through "straw donors." Additionally, Cherfilus-McCormick and tax preparer David K. Spencer are charged with filing a false federal tax return, falsely marking political and personal expenses as business deductions and inflating charitable contributions. The congresswoman, elected in 2022, previously drew suspicion for loaning her campaign over $6 million and repaying herself $2.5 million, Federal Election Commission filings show.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management also sued Trinity Healthcare Services in December 2024 for nearly $5.8 million in alleged overcharges during the pandemic. Attorney General Pam Bondi and US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones emphasized that no one is above the law and public money must be protected.