Florida Congresswoman Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges
In Miami federal court on Tuesday, U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick formally entered a not guilty plea to charges of conspiring to embezzle $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. The plea, submitted by her attorney William Barzee, comes nearly three months after her indictment. Cherfilus-McCormick was not present due to her commitments in Washington, D.C., where Congress is currently in discussions over Department of Homeland Security funding.
Barzee, who recently took over the congresswoman’s legal defense, expressed her dedication to her constituents, stating, “She’s eager to get back to work… Her main focus is representing the people in her district.” Cherfilus-McCormick’s previous attorney, David Oscar Markus, had delayed the arraignment several times due to her financial adjustments before withdrawing, citing scheduling issues.
The congresswoman faces 15 federal charges including allegations of misappropriating funds linked to her family-operated business, Trinity Healthcare Services, in 2021, prior to her congressional tenure. The company engaged in a contract for COVID-19 vaccination registrations.
After her arrest in November, Cherfilus-McCormick was released on a $60,000 bond. The court restricted her travel to Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia, although she retains a congressional passport for official duties.
The indictment details that a portion of the funds was used for personal expenses, including the purchase of a 3-carat yellow diamond ring. The indictment also claims that Trinity Healthcare, led by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family, mistakenly received $5 million instead of the $50,000 requested, and failed to return the excess. These funds were allegedly redistributed among associates and relatives, who subsequently contributed to her campaign.
In a prior civil lawsuit, the Florida Department of Emergency Management sued Trinity Healthcare, resulting in a settlement to repay the full amount last year. Barzee remarked, “It’s surprising that the DOJ would take on a case after it’s been resolved and after there was an agreement to repay all of the funds that were improperly sent to her.”
Cherfilus-McCormick assumed office in January 2022 for Florida’s 20th District, following the passing of Rep. Alcee Hastings. The charges against her include theft of government funds, making and receiving straw donor contributions, aiding in false tax statements, money laundering, and conspiracy related to these offenses.
“`
