A federal grand jury in Miami has indicted Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants on charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and making illegal campaign contributions to her 2021 congressional campaign.
According to the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, both from Miramar, allegedly used their family health-care company’s FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021 to receive an overpayment of $5 million. The defendants are accused of conspiring to divert these funds through various accounts to conceal their origin. Prosecutors state that a significant portion of the money was used as contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign and for personal expenses.
The indictment also claims that Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, of Miramar, arranged for additional contributions by using straw donors—channeling money from the FEMA-funded contract through friends and relatives who then donated to the campaign as if it were their own funds.
Further charges allege that Cherfilus-McCormick and her 2021 tax preparer David K. Spencer, 41, of Davie, conspired to file a false federal tax return. The indictment states they misrepresented political spending and other personal costs as business deductions and exaggerated charitable contributions in order to lower her tax liability.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said: “Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime. 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.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida added: “Today’s indictment shows no one is above the law. This indictment reflects our Office’s commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer. Public money belongs to the American people. When FEMA funds are diverted for personal or political gain, it erodes trust and harms us all. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are used as intended and that the public’s trust is safeguarded.”
If found guilty, Cherfilus-McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison; Edwin Cherfilus faces up to 35 years; Leblanc up to 10 years; and Spencer up to 33 years.
The investigation is being conducted by FBI Miami and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Florida Field Office. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra L. López and Yeney Hernández along with DOJ Criminal Division Trial Attorney John P. Taddei.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
For further information or related court documents, visit www.flsd.uscourts.gov or PACER when available.
