Indicted House Democrat Appears In Court Following Charges

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Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) appeared in a Miami federal courtroom on Tuesday after being indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds.

BREAKING: Justice Department Charges House Democrat For Allegedly Stealing $5 Million In FEMA Funds, Faces Up To 53 YEARS In Prison If Convicted

She faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted.

“This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment – and I am innocent. The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved,” Cherfilus-McCormick previously said.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of my district, and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I look forward to my day in court. Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents,” she added.

WPLG Local 10 shared:

Cherfilus-McCormick‘s attorneys walked into the Miami federal courthouse Tuesday, preparing to fight the long list of charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and filing a false tax return.

“The congresswoman is innocent and we are going to prove that,” attorney Lauren Krasnoff said.

Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted, along with three others, after prosecutors said she stole $5 million in FEMA overpayments to her health care company and funneled some of that money into her 2021 congressional campaign. They said she also used money to buy a 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring.

Authorities allege that a health care company she ran with her brother was overpaid the $5 million for a vaccination staffing contract.

The indictment claims that funds were used through multiple accounts to disguise their source, saying a portion of the money was funneled to family and friends who then donated to the campaign.

The congresswoman’s bond has reportedly been set at $60,000.

She must surrender her personal passport and can only travel to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia, CBS12 noted.

More from CBS12:

Cherfilus-McCormick was represented by attorneys from Markus/Moss, a nationally known Miami criminal trial law firm, the Sun Sentinel notes. They plan to file as her permanent counsel. Judge Lett concluded the hearing by saying, “Good luck, Representative Cherfilus-McCormick,” before adjourning.

According to the Sun Sentinel, the $5 million payment resulted from a clerical error. An invoice for $50,578.50 was submitted, but the state deposited $5,057,850 into an account controlled by Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother.

The Sun Sentinel reports that Cherfilus-McCormick and Leblanc allegedly funneled the money to friends and relatives, who then donated to her campaign as if it were their own.

Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted, while her co-defendants face sentences ranging from 10 to 35 years, according to the Sun Sentinel. Her arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 29.

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