Democratic Florida lawmaker indicted for allegedly stealing $5m in Fema funds

Democratic representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly funneling more than $5m worth of federal disaster funds from her company into her 2021 congressional campaign.

The indictment states that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, stole $5m in Fema overpayments that their family healthcare company received, moving the money through multiple accounts to hide its origins. The indictment alleges that the majority of the money was used for Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional campaign, as well as for the personal benefit of the defendants.

“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said attorney general Pamela Bondi.

“No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”

The indictment also alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and one of her staffers, Nadege Leblanc, arranged additional campaign contributions through straw donors, using the money obtained from Fema under the names of friends and relatives.

Additional charges are being pressed against Cherfilus-McCormick and her tax preparer, David K Spencer, of conspiring to file a false federal tax return. If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison.

The Guardian has contacted Cherfilus-McCormick for comment.