Democratic Florida lawmaker indicted for allegedly stealing $5m in Fema funds | Florida
Florida’s Democratic representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick indicted by federal grand jury Allegedly funneling more than $5 million worth of federal disaster funds from his company to his 2021 congressional campaign.
The indictment states that Cherfilus-McCormick and his brother, Edwin Cherfilus, stole $5 million in Fema overpayments received by the family healthcare companies and transferred the money to multiple accounts to conceal its origins. The indictment alleges that the majority of the money was used for Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional campaign and for the defendants’ personal interests.
“Using disaster relief funds to enrich oneself is a particularly selfish and cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
“No one is above the law, especially powerful individuals who fleece taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts and deliver justice in this case.”
The indictment also alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and one of his employees, Nadege Leblanc, arranged for additional campaign contributions through straw donors using money obtained from Fema under the guise of friends and relatives.
Additional charges are filed against Cherfilus-McCormick and her tax preparer, David K Spencer, on charges of conspiracy to prepare false federal tax returns. Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted.
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The Guardian contacted Cherfilus-McCormick for comment.
