The Department of Homeland Security announced on May 1 that it has indefinitely suspended former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of South Florida, her brother Edwin Cherfilus, and several associates following a federal indictment. The indictment alleges the group misappropriated about $5.7 million in disaster funds intended for COVID-19 vaccination efforts and used the money for personal gain and illegal campaign contributions.
The suspension is part of ongoing efforts by DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to investigate fraud related to federal relief programs. The agencies are working with law enforcement at all levels to ensure accountability for those accused of misusing public funds.
James Percival, General Counsel for DHS, said, "Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick abused Americans’ trust in the most egregious way possible. She manipulated the COVID-19 crisis to funnel over $5 million dollars of FEMA relief funds to her and her family members. This is outright fraud. That’s exactly what a federal grand jury and the U.S. House of Representatives found. I am proud that my office is taking the first step to ensure she is held accountable and American taxpayers’ money is protected from further misuse."
According to DHS, these actions align with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order establishing a Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance. The task force directs agencies to combat fraud in federal benefit programs and ensure taxpayer-funded benefits go only to eligible recipients.
The alleged overpayment was identified through state-level reconciliation processes, FEMA’s closeout procedures, and an investigation by the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Unit. FEMA staff collaborated with DOJ officials throughout this process.
Members of the public who suspect disaster-related fraud involving FEMA programs are encouraged by officials to report their concerns via email at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
