Fraud Findings Could Send Democrat Member of Congress to Prison |
Douglas V. Gibbs ——Bio and Archives--February 5, 2026
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Federal investigators say Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D‑FL) is at the center of a sprawling scheme involving “serious financial crimes.” On February 3, 2026, she pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges that she conspired to steal $5 million in FEMA disaster and COVID‑19 relief funds, along with making illegal campaign contributions. Her attorney entered the plea in Miami while she remained in Washington, D.C.
Prosecutors have filed 15 federal counts, including theft of government funds, money laundering, and campaign finance violations. Her previous counsel withdrew, leaving her new attorney, William Barzee, to handle the arraignment. Cherfilus‑McCormick remains free on a $60,000 bond but is now subject........