Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's Family Ties Tangled in Indictment Over $5M Covid-19 Funds

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Federal investigators have turned their attention to the family of Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is facing indictment charges over the alleged misuse of $5 million in Covid-19 disaster funds. The funds, meant for a FEMA-funded vaccination staffing contract, were instead allegedly diverted to her 2021 congressional campaign. Born to Haitian parents, Cherfilus-McCormick's family has a long history in healthcare, with her stepfather Dr Gabriel Smith co-founding Trinity Health Care Services, a home-health company. She later became the CEO of the organisation, while her brother Edwin Cherfilus is also implicated in the case. The indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick, her brother, and others conspired to mislead FEMA overpayments, routing excess funds through various accounts and using a 'substantial portion' for her campaign. The indictment also charges Cherfilus-McCormick and her tax preparer with conspiring to file a false tax return, inflating charitable deductions and misclassifying political expenses. If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison, while her brother Edwin could face up to 35 years. Cherfilus-McCormick's family background, including her mother's tireless work ethic and her own commitment to public service, has been a key part of her political narrative. However, the indictment has raised questions about the intersection of her family's business interests and her congressional rise. Cherfilus-McCormick first ran for Congress in 2018 and 2020 but was unsuccessful. However, after Congressman Alcee Hastings died in 2021, she won a special election to represent Florida's 20th District, investing millions of her own money in her campaign.