Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) surrendered to authorities Tuesday in Miami, facing federal charges for allegedly looting millions in disaster relief funds.
The South Florida Democrat walked into a downtown courthouse silently and posted bond. She was seen only inside the courtroom, shackled at the wrists. Her husband watched from the gallery, looking visibly shaken.
Prosecutors say Cherfilus-McCormick helped siphon off $5 million in FEMA funds through a family business. Some of the cash was allegedly funneled into her own campaign.
The 15-count federal indictment reads like a greatest hits of public corruption. Officials accuse her of theft of government funds, money laundering, straw donor schemes, and filing bogus tax returns. If convicted, she could face over 50 years in prison and more than $2 million in fines.
Cherfilus-McCormick appeared before a federal judge shortly after 1:30 p.m. She acknowledged the charges but did not speak publicly. Her lawyers immediately pushed back.
“I think if there is anything we have learned in recent times, it’s that this government is willing to charge and indict and arrest somebody without actual evidence,” said temporary counsel Lauren Krasnoff of Markus & Ross.
Krasnoff also suggested federal authorities target Black lawmakers. “I think we’ve seen that pattern,” she said.
A judge approved Cherfilus-McCormick’s release on a $25,000 personal surety bond and 5% of another $35,000 bond. With one signature and a $1,750 payment, she walked out of the courthouse, per Trending Politics.
She must surrender her personal passport, but can keep her congressional passport. Travel is restricted to the Southern District of Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The congresswoman is innocent, and we are going to prove that,” Krasnoff said before leaving the courthouse.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s husband left silently. Reporters were unable to ask him questions.
The next court date is Dec. 29, when Cherfilus-McCormick will be arraigned and face permanent legal proceedings.
The indictment alleges she used a family business as a funnel for FEMA disaster relief funds. Prosecutors say she laundered money through multiple accounts and funneled donations into her campaign to cover personal expenses.
The case has drawn attention because Cherfilus-McCormick is a sitting member of Congress. Few lawmakers face federal charges while in office, and even fewer are accused of siphoning millions in government relief funds.
If convicted on all counts, the congresswoman could spend decades behind bars. Each charge carries significant prison time and fines. The total potential penalties exceed 50 years in prison and $2 million in fines, according to the indictment.
Lawyers for Cherfilus-McCormick claim the charges are politically motivated. They argue there is no evidence of wrongdoing and insist the congresswoman is innocent.
“The government is overreaching,” Krasnoff said. “We will prove her innocence and expose the lack of evidence behind these charges.”
The courtroom appearance was brief but dramatic. Cherfilus-McCormick entered quietly, acknowledged the charges, and left with minimal public comment. Court documents show the investigation has been ongoing for months.
Federal authorities say the alleged crimes include a variety of schemes designed to divert disaster relief money for personal gain. The indictment describes detailed transactions, alleged false tax filings, and campaign violations.
The congresswoman faces a long road ahead. With the Dec. 29 arraignment approaching, she will officially respond to the 15-count indictment and begin the legal process that could define her political career.
