US Politics

Florida Congresswoman Accused of Stealing $5 Million in COVID Funds Maintains Innocence

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick alleged that her federal charges are an intimidation tactic used against minorities in Congress.
Florida Congresswoman Accused of Stealing $5 Million in COVID Funds Maintains Innocence
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), condemns hate speech and misinformation about Haitian immigrants, at the Capitol in Washington on Sept. 20, 2024. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo
Jill McLaughlin
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A South Florida congresswoman accused of conspiring to steal $5 million in COVID-19 disaster funds to pay for her campaign, maintained her innocence on Monday in a speech outside a Miami courthouse.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and several co-defendants were charged in November with taking the money, laundering the proceeds, and using the funds to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.