Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a U.S. Representative, was Monday repeating her innocence outside the Miami Federal Courthouse, facing charges over her alleged involvement in a scheme that sought to steal $5 million from COVID-19-relief funds issued by the federal government.
"I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent,” Cherfilus-McCormick stated following the hearing. “In no way did I steal any kind of funds. "I'm committed to the people of Florida and my district", she further said.
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Arraignment rescheduled to January 20
As per a report by Associated Press, Cherfilus-McCormick had to appear in court to be arraigned, but her lawyer asked for the hearing to be postponed to allow her time to complete assembling a legal team. The prosecution did not object to this, and a date for a new arraignment hearing was set for January 20 by U.S. District Judge Lisette Reid. This took fewer than five minutes.
David Oscar Markus, Cherfilus-McCormick's attorney, said that this case involves errors that wouldn't even rise to the level of a misdemeanour. He also expressed his belief that the charges brought against her are politically motivated.
Charges associated with family health care of company
The Florida Democrat has pleaded not guilty to charges of 15 federal offences. These offences include theft of government money, money laundering, conspiracy, making or receiving contributions of money by a straw donor, and aiding in making a false and fraudulent tax return.
As per the indictment, the charges arise from payments that were made to Trinity Healthcare Services, which was founded by her family members, as it was contracted to assist members in registering for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Cherfilus-McCormick was accused by the prosecution of having her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, ask the company to deliver $50,000, but instead received the wrong amount of $5 million, which was not refundable to the company.
Alleged use of funds and campaign contributions
According to the prosecutors, this money was distributed to various accounts, with some of them belonging to some of her friends and relatives, and eventually used to contribute to Cherfilus-McCormick's congressional campaign. It is further alleged that over $100,000 was used to purchase a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman within two months.
Conditions of bail and travel restrictions
She was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond. As part of her bail agreement, she has been asked to turn over her personal passport and is allowed to travel only in Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia. She has been allowed to retain her passport as an elected member of Congress to enable her to continue performing her duties.
Cherfilus-McCormick was elected in a special election in January 2022 to represent the 20th congressional district of Florida, following the passing of Rep. Alcee Hastings in 2021.
As per the report by Associated Press, she does not have plans to leave her post and has been cooperating with “every lawful request” and intends to continue to do so as the case unfolds.
