"Cherfilus-McCormick was scheduled to be arraigned, but her attorney requested the proceeding be rescheduled to Jan. 20 so that she could finalize her legal team. Prosecutors didn't object, and Judge Lisette Reid agreed to the new date. The hearing lasted less than five minutes. "I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent," Cherfilus-McCormick said immediately after leaving court. "In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I'm committed to the people of Florida and my district.""
"She has been allowed to retain her congressional passport so she can perform certain duties for her job. According to the federal indictment, prosecutors said that within two months of receiving the funds in 2021, more than $100,000 had been spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman. The health care company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick's family had received payments through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, the indictment said. Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, requested $50,000,"
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reiterated innocence while facing charges of conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds. Arraignment was rescheduled to Jan. 20 to allow finalizing the legal team after prosecutors did not object and Judge Lisette Reid agreed. Cherfilus-McCormick pleaded not guilty to 15 federal counts alleging theft of funds overpaid to Trinity Healthcare Services in 2021, which held a contract to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations. Attorney David Oscar Markus characterized the case as involving mistakes that typically are not misdemeanors and suggested political motivation. She was released on a $60,000 bond with passport and travel restrictions and retains a congressional passport for duties. The indictment alleges more than $100,000 was spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring and notes payments to the family-owned health company and a $50,000 request from her brother.
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