Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Asserts Innocence Amid Federal Charges

MIAMI, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick again asserted her innocence Monday after a brief court appearance where her arraignment was postponed. The South Florida congresswoman’s attorney requested a delay, allowing time to finalize her legal team. U.S. District Judge Lisette Reid rescheduled the hearing for Jan. 20, agreeing to the request without opposition from prosecutors. The hearing lasted less than five minutes.

“I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent,” Cherfilus-McCormick said after leaving the courthouse. “In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district.” The congresswoman has pleaded not guilty to 15 federal counts, including charges of conspiring to steal approximately $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds.

According to the indictment, the funds were mistakenly overpaid in 2021 to Trinity Healthcare Services, a family-run company contracted to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations. The indictment alleges that her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, requested $50,000 under the contract but that Trinity received $5 million and failed to return the excess funds.

Federal prosecutors claim the money was funneled through friends and relatives, with more than $100,000 reportedly spent on personal purchases for Cherfilus-McCormick, including a luxury ring. This allegation has attracted public scrutiny and controversy, notably over an altered photo she posted that appeared to remove the ring from her official portrait.

Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, strongly contested the case, arguing the allegations stem from administrative errors that should not be charged as felonies. He characterized the prosecution as politically motivated. Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November and was released on a $60,000 bond under conditions that include surrendering her personal passport while retaining her congressional passport for official duties.

If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces serious penalties, including decades in federal prison and substantial fines. She won a special election in January 2022 to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District, after the passing of Rep. Alcee Hastings in 2021. In a previous statement, her chief of staff emphasized that she does not plan to resign from her position and will continue to cooperate with authorities as the case progresses.

The rescheduled arraignment is set for Jan. 20, as both the legal battle and public scrutiny continue for the congresswoman.