South Florida Congresswoman Charged with $5 Million FEMA Fund Theft
A federal grand jury in Miami has indicted South Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants for their involvement in a scheme to steal $5 million in FEMA funds. The charges include theft of federal disaster funds, money laundering, and misconduct related to her 2021 congressional campaign.
Details of the Indictment
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, along with her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, both from Miramar, are alleged to have used their family healthcare company to secure funds from a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract. In July 2021, the company reportedly received an overpayment exceeding $5 million from FEMA.
Allegations Against Cherfilus-McCormick and Associates
The indictment claims that the defendants conspired to misappropriate the FEMA funds and launder the money through various accounts to conceal its origin. Specifically, it is alleged that a significant portion of these stolen funds was used to finance Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional campaign and to provide personal benefits to the defendants.
- Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, from Miramar, are accused of organizing contributions through straw donors.
- They are said to have funneled additional funds from the FEMA contract to friends and relatives, who then donated to the campaign.
Tax Fraud Charges
In addition to the theft allegations, Cherfilus-McCormick and her tax preparer David K. Spencer, 41, of Davie, face charges for conspiring to file a false federal tax return. They allegedly misrepresented political expenditures and inflated charitable donations as business expenses to lower tax liabilities.
Statements from Officials
Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the misuse of disaster relief funds, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones remarked that this indictment reinforces the belief that no individual is above the law and that public funds must be protected.
Potential Sentences
If convicted, the defendants could face significant prison time:
| Defendant | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|
| Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick | 53 years |
| Edwin Cherfilus | 35 years |
| Nadege Leblanc | 10 years |
| David K. Spencer | 33 years |
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Miami Field Office and the IRS Criminal Investigations Florida Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra L. López and Yeney Hernández, along with DOJ Criminal Division Trial Attorney John P. Taddei.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
