Congresswoman Pleads Not Guilty in COVID-19 Fund Theft Case

Sat Feb 07 2026 00:20:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces multiple federal charges for allegedly misappropriating COVID-19 disaster funds intended for her family's healthcare company.

Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds. The indictment claims she improperly benefited from funds meant for her family's healthcare company, Trinity Healthcare Services, before her election. Facing serious allegations including theft and money laundering, Cherfilus-McCormick's attorney emphasizes her commitment to her constituents as she navigates the legal proceedings.

MIAMI (AP) — U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida has formally pleaded not guilty in response to allegations of conspiring to misappropriate $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds. The plea was submitted by her attorney during an arraignment in Miami federal court, where Cherfilus-McCormick was absent as she was engaged in congressional duties in Washington, D.C.

Her attorney, William Barzee, expressed her eagerness to return to work, emphasizing her dedication to her constituents in District 20, which encompasses sections of Broward and Palm Beach counties. Barzee recently took over her legal defense following complications with the case under her previous attorney.

The indictment outlines 15 federal counts against the congresswoman, alleging that substantial funds were overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services, a health care company owned by her family. This money was meant for a contract involving COVID-19 vaccination registration. According to prosecutors, more than $100,000 was reportedly spent on personal items, including a significant diamond ring, shortly after the funds were received.

Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond. A judge has mandated that she surrenders her personal passport, with travel restricted to Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia, though she can retain her congressional passport for official responsibilities.

The charges brought against her involve serious allegations such as theft of government funds, money laundering, and conspiracy linked to straw donor contributions. The case has raised eyebrows since the Florida Department of Emergency Management previously settled a suit against Trinity Healthcare, wherein the company agreed to refund the misallocated funds. Barzee questioned the Department of Justice's decision to pursue the case after this settlement.

Cherfilus-McCormick achieved her seat in Congress in January 2022 after winning a special election following the passing of longtime Congressman Alcee Hastings. The legal challenges she faces may significantly impact her political future and commitment to her role in serving her community.