MIAMI (AP) — U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, representing Florida, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds. The congresswoman's plea comes nearly three months after her indictment and was entered by her attorney, William Barzee, in a Miami federal court, as she was absent, engaged in congressional business in Washington, D.C. Barzee emphasized Cherfilus-McCormick's commitment to serving her constituents amidst the ongoing discussions regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Her legal situation has shifted recently; her previous attorney, David Oscar Markus, withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, having repeatedly sought to reschedule the arraignment while she addressed financial matters. Cherfilus-McCormick faces 15 federal counts alleging the illicit use of funds overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services, her family's healthcare company that oversaw a COVID-19 vaccination registration contract in 2021, prior to her election to Congress.
Details in the indictment reveal that the company mistakenly received $5 million instead of the requested $50,000, leading to charges such as theft of government funds, money laundering, and false campaign contributions. Prosecutors assert that some of these funds were funneled to friends and relatives before being directed to her congressional fundraising endeavors. The Florida Department of Emergency Management has previously pursued civil actions against Trinity Healthcare, leading to a settlement where all improperly received funds were to be returned.
Following her arrest in November, Cherfilus-McCormick was released on a $60,000 bond, with conditions limiting her travel while retaining her congressional passport for official duties. The congresswoman's case has raised eyebrows, as some observers question the timing and motives behind the DOJ's actions following the settlement of financial disputes.
Cherfilus-McCormick entered Congress in January 2022, filling the seat previously held by late Rep. Alcee Hastings.
Her legal situation has shifted recently; her previous attorney, David Oscar Markus, withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, having repeatedly sought to reschedule the arraignment while she addressed financial matters. Cherfilus-McCormick faces 15 federal counts alleging the illicit use of funds overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services, her family's healthcare company that oversaw a COVID-19 vaccination registration contract in 2021, prior to her election to Congress.
Details in the indictment reveal that the company mistakenly received $5 million instead of the requested $50,000, leading to charges such as theft of government funds, money laundering, and false campaign contributions. Prosecutors assert that some of these funds were funneled to friends and relatives before being directed to her congressional fundraising endeavors. The Florida Department of Emergency Management has previously pursued civil actions against Trinity Healthcare, leading to a settlement where all improperly received funds were to be returned.
Following her arrest in November, Cherfilus-McCormick was released on a $60,000 bond, with conditions limiting her travel while retaining her congressional passport for official duties. The congresswoman's case has raised eyebrows, as some observers question the timing and motives behind the DOJ's actions following the settlement of financial disputes.
Cherfilus-McCormick entered Congress in January 2022, filling the seat previously held by late Rep. Alcee Hastings.
