A recent case involving Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida, who has been indicted for stealing federal disaster funds intended for COVID-19 relief. Several co-defendants are also implicated in the charges.
• Indictment Details: A federal grand jury in Miami has indicted Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and others for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds earmarked for disaster relief, laundering the money, and using it to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
• Co-defendants: The indictment includes Cherfilus-McCormick's brother, Edwin Cherfilus, and Nadege Leblanc. They are accused of working through a family health-care company that received the FEMA funds.
• Misuse of Funds: The indictment claims they conspired to steal the funds by teaming up with straw donors to contribute to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign, falsely presenting those contributions as coming from various individuals.
• Tax Fraud Charges: Cherfilus-McCormick and her tax preparer, David K. Spencer, have also been charged with filing false federal tax returns, claiming personal expenses as business deductions and inflating charitable contributions to lower her tax burden.
• Potential Sentences: If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick may face up to 53 years in prison, while her co-defendants face varying maximum sentences.
• Statements from Officials: Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the crime as selfish and stated that public officials must be held accountable. U. S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized that these actions undermine public trust and that taxpayer money should not be misused for personal gain.
The indictment of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and her co-defendants highlights serious allegations of financial misconduct involving federal disaster funds. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure accountability and protect taxpayer resources. Further court documents related to the case can be accessed through the District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
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