Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Congresswoman Indicted for Stealing $5M COVID-19 Aid
A congresswoman from Florida, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, is accused of stealing $5 million meant for COVID-19 vaccination staffing.
She and her brother used the money to support her 2021 campaign by moving it through different accounts and using friends and family as donors.
If found guilty, she could spend up to 53 years in prison.
Democratic Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida indicted for stealing $5M in FEMA funds
Funds used to support her 2021 congressional campaign
Brother Edwin Cherfilus and tax preparer David Spencer also charged
Money moved through multiple accounts to hide source
Straw donors used to make campaign donations
- Who
- Democratic Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, her brother Edwin Cherfilus, and tax preparer David Spencer
- What
- Stealing $5 million in FEMA funds and using it for campaign support
- When
- 2021
- Where
- Florida
- Why
- To support her 2021 congressional campaign
Prosecution
Defense
Use of Funds
Prosecution
Used for campaign support
Defense
Potential innocent explanation
- Charges
- Theft of government funds, conspiracy, and making false statements
- Maximum Sentence
- Up to 53 years in prison
- Funds Source
- FEMA overpayment for COVID-19 vaccination staffing
- Campaign Support Method
- Straw donors and moving funds through multiple accounts
- Status of Legal Representation
- No attorney listed on case docket as of Wednesday evening
Sources
Who Is Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick? Florida Congresswoman Charged With Stealing $5 Million In FEMA Funds
Florida lawmaker Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick indicted on charges of stealing $5 million from disaster funds
