A federal grand jury in Miami has indicted Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants on charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
According to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother Edwin Cherfilus worked through their family health-care company on a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. The company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds in July 2021. Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to steal those funds, routing them through multiple accounts to disguise their source. A significant portion of the money was allegedly used as candidate contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign and for personal benefit.
The indictment also claims that Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc arranged additional contributions using straw donors by funneling other monies from the FEMA contract to friends and relatives who then donated to the campaign as if it were their own money.
Cherfilus-McCormick and her 2021 tax preparer David K. Spencer are further charged with conspiring to file a false federal tax return. The indictment alleges they falsely claimed political spending and other personal expenses as business deductions, inflating charitable contributions to reduce her tax obligations.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented, “Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime. No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated, “Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law. This indictment reflects our Office’s commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer. Public money belongs to the American people. When FEMA funds are diverted for personal or political gain, it erodes trust and harms us all. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are used as intended and that the public’s trust is safeguarded.”
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison; Edwin Cherfilus faces up to 35 years; Leblanc up to 10 years; and Spencer up to 33 years.
The FBI Miami Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office are investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra L. López and Yeney Hernández along with DOJ Criminal Division Trial Attorney John P. Taddei are prosecuting.
An indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Additional court documents can be found at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or via PACER once available.
