Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick breaks silence after federal indictment

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick denied wrongdoing a day after the Justice Department announced her indictment on federal charges.

“This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment — and I am innocent,” the Miramar Democrat said in a press statement.

“The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved. I am deeply grateful for the support of my district, and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I look forward to my day in court. Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents. “

A grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick on allegations she stole $5 million in COVID vaccine funding for her 2021 congressional campaign.

The indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, secured funding intended for a COVID vaccine distribution program, but when overpayments were made, she routed the spending through several accounts that later donated the funds as campaign contributions.

The federal indictment lays out many criminal charges for money laundering and stealing disaster funds.

Prosecutors say Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, of Miramar, arranged for donations through “straw donors” to funnel money received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a network of family and friends.

Then, Cherfilus-McCormick and tax preparer Davis Spencer allegedly filed false tax returns, falsely claimed political spending and personal expenses as business deductions, and inflated charitable contributions.

Should Cherfilus-McCormick be found guilty of all counts in the indictment, the 46-year-old could face up to 53 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.

The House Ethics Committee already has an investigation underway of allegations. The Office of Congressional Conduct released a report in May saying the Congresswoman may have violated federal law.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday announced Cherfilus-McCormick must step down as ranking member of the House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, but made no mention of whether she would resign.

Naomie Pierre-Louis, Cherfilus-McCormick’s Chief of Staff, said she was taking a leave from leading the committee but would keep her committee membership.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, said he will bring an expulsion resolution to the floor Thursday.