US Rep. SHEILA CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK of Florida indicted on charges of stealing $5M in disaster funds

Thursday, November 20, 2025-Florida Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been federally indicted for allegedly misappropriating $5 million in FEMA disaster-relief funds. 

Prosecutors say the funds, originally intended for COVID‑19 vaccination staffing through her family’s health company, were rerouted through multiple accounts to conceal their origin. A substantial portion was allegedly used as illegal campaign contributions during her 2021 congressional race.

The indictment also claims Cherfilus-McCormick employed “straw donors” to funnel money into her campaign and conspired with her tax preparer to file false returns, inflating deductions and claiming personal and political expenses as business costs. Authorities emphasize the case reflects a significant breach of public trust and misuse of federal emergency resources.

Cherfilus-McCormick denies all wrongdoing, calling the charges “unjust” and a political attack. Prosecutors warn that if convicted on all counts, she could face more than 50 years in prison. The case is set to advance in federal court, and its resolution could have immediate political and financial repercussions.