Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick indicted for $5M FEMA fraud tied to campaign
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted on charges she stole about $5 million in federal disaster funds tied to Trinity Healthcare Services, where she served as CEO, and could face up to 53 years in prison. A December 2024 Florida Division of Emergency Management lawsuit alleges Trinity overcharged the state by nearly $5.8 million — spotlighting a single $5 million overpayment — the Office of Congressional Ethics reported her 2021 income rose by over $6 million including roughly $5.75 million from Trinity, and Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the alleged misuse; Cherfilus-McCormick was elected in a 2022 special election to represent Florida’s 20th District.
📌 Key Facts
- U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been indicted on charges accusing her of stealing $5 million in disaster funds.
- The company at issue is Trinity Healthcare Services, where Cherfilus-McCormick served as CEO.
- A December 2024 Florida Division of Emergency Management lawsuit alleges Trinity overcharged the state by nearly $5.8 million and highlights a single $5 million overpayment.
- A January Office of Congressional Ethics report found Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 income rose by over $6 million, including about $5.75 million in consulting/profit-sharing fees from Trinity.
- Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement condemning the alleged misuse of disaster funds.
- Cherfilus-McCormick was elected in a 2022 special election to succeed Rep. Alcee Hastings in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.
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📰 Sources (2)
- Identifies the company at issue as Trinity Healthcare Services, where Cherfilus-McCormick was CEO.
- Notes a December 2024 Florida Division of Emergency Management lawsuit alleging Trinity overcharged the state by nearly $5.8 million and spotlighting a single $5 million overpayment.
- Cites a January Office of Congressional Ethics report that her 2021 income rose by over $6 million, including about $5.75 million in consulting/profit-sharing fees from Trinity.
- Includes a new quote from Attorney General Pam Bondi condemning alleged misuse of disaster funds.
- Confirms district context: elected in a 2022 special election to succeed Rep. Alcee Hastings in Florida’s 20th District.