Judge sets late January trial date for Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick, co-defendants

"A Miami federal judge has set a late January trial date for U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and three co-defendants accused of stealing $5 million in government relief funds. In an order filed Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles set a date in his downtown Miami courtroom for the two-week period starting Jan. 26, 2026. He also set a calendar call for Jan. 21."

"The congresswoman was indicted by a federal grand jury and accused of using FEMA money to support her 2021 congressional campaign. Overall, she is charged with 15 federal counts, including theft of government funds, money laundering, straw donor campaign contributions, false tax statements, and conspiracy. Cherfilus-McCormick's brother, Edwin; her chief of staff, Nadege Leblanc; and a tax preparer, David Spencer, are also charged in the case. All three co-defendants have lawyers. Edwin Cherfilus is represented by the federal public defender's office, according to court files."

"On Monday, U.S. Magistrate Lisette Reid agreed during a brief hearing in Miami to postpone the congresswoman's arraignment until Jan. 20 so Cherfilus-McCormick could arrange representation. Since the congresswoman's indictment in late November, she has been temporarily represented by Miami attorney David Markus and three other lawyers from the firm of Markus/Moss. "For her to have the attorney of her choice, we'll put on the record that it's a reasonable period of delay," the judge said, referring to the congresswoman."

A federal judge scheduled a two-week trial beginning Jan. 26, 2026, in downtown Miami and set a calendar call for Jan. 21. The defense's readiness is uncertain because the congresswoman has not formally retained counsel. An arraignment was postponed until Jan. 20 so she can arrange representation; she has been temporarily represented by Miami attorney David Markus and other lawyers from Markus/Moss. Magistrate Lisette Reid granted the delay after federal prosecutors raised no objection and called the postponement reasonable to secure the attorney of her choice. A grand jury indicted her on 15 counts alleging use of FEMA funds to support her 2021 campaign, including theft, money laundering, straw-donor contributions, false tax statements, and conspiracy. Three co-defendants also face charges and have lawyers.

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