MIAMI — A Florida congresswoman charged with conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds formally pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, nearly three months after her indictment.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was not present for the arraignment in Miami federal court, but her attorney, William Barzee, represented her and confirmed her eagerness to focus on her constituents in Congress.
Cherfilus-McCormick is facing 15 federal counts for allegedly misappropriating funds overpaid to her family’s health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, during the pandemic in 2021. The company was involved in a COVID-19 vaccination program.
In her absence, Barzee disclosed that members of her family had erroneously received $5 million instead of $50,000, which they did not return. The indictment states that part of this misallocated amount contributed to her congressional campaign.<\/p>
After being indicted in November, Cherfilus-McCormick is currently out on a $60,000 bond, with conditions allowing her limited travel and requiring the surrender of her personal passport. She retained a congressional passport for official duties.
Prosecutors have highlighted her extravagant spending, including a diamond ring, following the receipt of the funds. Cherfilus-McCormick now faces serious legal challenges that could affect her political career and reputation.
