South Florida Congresswoman Charged with Embezzling $5 Million in FEMA Funds
In a significant legal development, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from South Florida has been indicted for embezzling $5 million in FEMA funds. The indictment alleges her involvement in a scheme with several co-defendants to steal federal disaster relief money intended for COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Details of the Indictment
The federal grand jury in Miami filed the indictment against Cherfilus-McCormick, aged 46, and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, aged 51, both residents of Miramar. They are accused of misappropriating funds from a FEMA-funded staffing contract in 2021, meant to support vaccination efforts. The family’s healthcare company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds that year.
Conspiracy and Fraud Allegations
According to prosecutors, the defendants conspired to divert these funds through various accounts to conceal their origins. A significant portion of the misappropriated money allegedly financed Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and benefited the defendants personally.
- Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, of Miramar, supposedly coordinated campaign contributions using straw donors.
- The indictment also charges David K. Spencer, 41, of Davie, who is accused of conspiring with Cherfilus-McCormick to file a false federal tax return.
- They reportedly misrepresented political expenditures and other personal costs as business deductions.
Statements from Officials
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the case, stating that using disaster relief funds for personal gain is a “selfish, cynical crime.” She reiterated that no one, especially influential individuals, is above the law. In a similar vein, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and maintaining public trust.
Potential Consequences
If found guilty, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison. Her brother Edwin could face up to 35 years, while Leblanc and Spencer face potential sentences of up to 10 and 33 years, respectively.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Miami Field Office and the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Florida Field Office, with several Assistant U.S. Attorneys involved in the prosecution.
It’s important to note that the indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
