Congresswoman’s $5M Heist for Luxury Life

A pair of black high heels standing on a floor covered with dollar bills

A sitting U.S. Congresswoman accused of stealing $5 million in federal disaster relief funds meant for pandemic response now faces 15 federal counts—and prosecutors say she spent the stolen money on luxury vehicles, designer goods, and high-end travel.

Story Snapshot

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) indicted on 15 federal counts including theft of government funds, money laundering, and tax fraud
Prosecutors allege she and co-conspirators stole $5 million in FEMA disaster relief funds meant for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The stolen funds were allegedly funneled through her family’s health care company and used for luxury purchases and her 2021 congressional campaign
Cherfilus-McCormick surrendered to federal authorities in Miami and was released on bond; House Democratic leadership stripped her of committee positions

How $5 Million in Disaster Relief Vanished

In July 2021, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management accidentally overpaid Trinity Health Care Services—a company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family—by $5,057,850 due to a payment system error. The company allegedly refused to return the funds despite repeated state requests. Instead of correcting the mistake, prosecutors allege Cherfilus-McCormick and co-conspirators routed the money through multiple accounts, disguising it as campaign contributions and personal income while she ran for Congress.

Luxury Purchases Reveal the Scheme

Federal prosecutors paint a damning picture of personal enrichment. The indictment alleges Cherfilus-McCormick used stolen FEMA funds to purchase high-end vehicles, designer clothing, and luxury travel experiences. These luxury purchases became key evidence of intent to personally benefit from disaster relief money intended to help Americans during the pandemic. The flagrant spending pattern suggests deliberate misappropriation rather than accidental mismanagement, strengthening prosecutors’ case for criminal intent and money laundering charges.

The Indictment and Surrender

In November 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants on charges including theft of government funds, money laundering, straw donor schemes, and filing false tax returns. On November 19, Cherfilus-McCormick surrendered to federal authorities in Miami and appeared in court in handcuffs. She was released on a $25,000 personal surety bond plus 5% of an additional $35,000 bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for December 29, 2025.

Democratic Leadership Distances Party from Scandal

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that Cherfilus-McCormick would immediately step down from her leadership position on the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee. The move signals Democratic Party leadership is prioritizing damage control and maintaining institutional credibility. By removing her from committee responsibilities, Democratic leaders attempt to insulate the party from association with the scandal while the legal process unfolds.

US Rep Cherfilus-McCormick Has Turned Herself in and Now We Know Some Extreme Luxuries She's Accused of Using Stolen FEMA Money Funds to Buy via @WestJournalism https://t.co/yTKt7VXU3b

— David Wedding (@hdwrench51) November 26, 2025

Cherfilus-McCormick denies all allegations, claiming she is being unfairly targeted. Her attorneys assert she is a committed public servant who will fight to clear her name. Federal prosecutors, however, emphasize that no one—regardless of political position—stands above the law. The case underscores persistent concerns about government accountability, the misuse of taxpayer funds, and whether elected officials face genuine consequences for financial misconduct.