Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Indicted for FEMA Fraud

U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida has been indicted on charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds from the United States — Federal Emergency Management Agency. Prosecutors allege that her family's company, Trinity Healthcare Services, received an overpayment through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, and a portion of these funds was then laundered and used to support her 2021 congressional campaign. She is also accused of conspiring to file a false tax return. This indictment follows previous scrutiny, including a lawsuit by the United States — Florida Division of Emergency Management against Trinity Healthcare Services for overcharging the state and a report by the United States — Office of Congressional Conduct on her increased income from the company. The United States — House Committee on Ethics had also reauthorized an investigation into her activities. Following the indictment, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick would step down from her ranking Democrat position on a Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.