In brief
U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick entered a not guilty plea in response to federal charges of conspiring to misappropriate $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds intended for her family's healthcare company. Cherfilus-McCormick, who was absent from the arraignment, is currently active in Congress representing her district. The indictment includes 15 counts related to theft and fraudulent contributions.
MIAMI (AP) — A Florida congresswoman charged with conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds formally pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, nearly three months after her indictment.U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was not present for the arraignment in Miami federal court, but her attorney, William Barzee, entered the plea on her behalf, noting she was in Washington, D.C., where Congress has been debating funding for the Department of Homeland Security.“She’s eager to get back to work,” Barzee stated. “She’s up in Washington right now fighting for her constituents, and her main focus is representing the people in her district.”Barzee took over Cherfilus-McCormick’s case this week after her previous attorney left over scheduling conflicts. The congresswoman is facing 15 federal counts alleging she stole funds that had been overpaid to her family’s healthcare company, Trinity Healthcare Services, in 2021, prior to her election to Congress. The company had a contract to assist with COVID-19 vaccinations.Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November 2021 and released on a $60,000 bond, with restrictions on her travel. Charges against her include theft of government funds, fraudulent contributions, and money laundering among others. Notably, authorities claim that a proportion of the improperly obtained funds were utilized for personal expenditures, including a diamond ring, and were also funneled into her congressional campaign.Meanwhile, the state previously reached an agreement with Trinity Healthcare that mandated the firm to repay the overpayments made. Barzee expressed surprise that the Department of Justice decided to pursue the case despite the resolution already being established. Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election in January 2022 following the death of Rep. Alcee Hastings and represents Florida’s 20th District.
