• Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick indicted for alleged theft of $5 million in federal COVID-19 funds.
• The funds were reportedly funneled to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
• The indictment stems from overpayments made to her family-owned healthcare company.
• Attorney General describes the crime as "selfish and cynical."
• Previous investigations revealed significant income increases tied to the healthcare company's contracts.

A federal grand jury in Florida has indicted U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on charges of stealing $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, allegedly directing these funds to her 2021 congressional campaign. The indictment, announced by the U.S. Justice Department, alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and others manipulated overpayments made to her family-owned healthcare company, Trinity Healthcare Services, which had been contracted for COVID-19 vaccination staffing, according to Reuters, NPR, and LA Times.

According to federal prosecutors, a portion of the diverted funds was used to support campaign contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick's candidacy. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the alleged actions, stating, "Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime," emphasizing that "no one is above the law" when it comes to such violations, as noted by NPR and LA Times.

Cherfilus-McCormick was first elected to the U.S. House in 2022, representing Florida's 20th District after the passing of Rep. Alcee Hastings. Recent investigations into her income revealed that in 2021, it was over $6 million higher than the previous year, largely due to nearly $5.75 million in consulting fees from Trinity, further indicated by reports from Reuters, NPR, and LA Times.

In December 2024, a state agency had sued Trinity Healthcare Services for alleged overcharging by nearly $5.8 million related to pandemic work, an issue brought to light after a new $5 million overpayment triggered further investigation. This highlights ongoing scrutiny of Cherfilus-McCormick's business dealings during her time as CEO, according to LA Times, Reuters, and NPR.