Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is an American businesswoman and Democratic politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Florida's 20th congressional district since 2022. Her district encompasses a significant portion of the Black-majority communities in the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach areas. She first entered Congress after winning a special election to fill the seat left vacant following the death of longtime Representative Alcee Hastings.
Her tenure in Congress has recently been overshadowed by significant legal developments. In late 2025, she became the subject of a major federal indictment.
Federal prosecutors have charged Representative Cherfilus-McCormick with serious crimes related to the alleged misappropriation of government funds. According to multiple news reports, the charges include stealing approximately $5 million intended for COVID-19 relief and disaster assistance. The indictment alleges she directed these funds to her campaign account, leading to additional charges for making illegal campaign contributions. These developments have placed her political career and legal standing under intense scrutiny.
Latest related news
- DOJ charges Democratic congresswoman with stealing $5 million in COVID relief money - Washington Times 2025-11-20 08:29 · Washington Times
- Federal prosecutors indict Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for directing $5M in COVID funds to campaign account - Florida Politics 2025-11-20 08:29 · Florida Politics
- Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds, other charges - WPTV 2025-11-20 08:27 · WPTV
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds, making illegal campaign contributions - NBC News 2025-11-20 08:27 · NBC News
- US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida indicted on charges of stealing $5M in disaster funds - WFMZ.com 2025-11-20 08:26 · WFMZ.com
- Democratic congresswoman charged with stealing $5M in FEMA funds, making illegal campaign contributions: DOJ - ABC News 2025-11-20 08:24 · ABC News
- Florida House Democrat charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds - Washington Examiner 2025-11-20 08:21 · Washington Examiner
- Congresswoman indicted for allegedly stealing FEMA funds - The Hill 2025-11-20 08:21 · The Hill
- U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick accused of stealing millions in FEMA funds, feds say - Sun Sentinel 2025-11-20 08:20 · Sun Sentinel
- Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick indicted in Miami for alleged misuse of FEMA funds - WPBF 2025-11-20 08:19 · WPBF