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."
A Christmas message posted on Thursday by Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) was swiftly undercut on X after users added a community note alleging the image in her post had been edited to remove a ring she purchased using 109K of stolen FEMA funds. From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season, read the congresswoman's post, alongside a smiling picture.