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Arraignment Delayed to Jan. 20 for Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick in FEMA Funds Case

A magistrate granted a three-week delay so she can finalize her legal team.

CORRECTS TO HEARING, NOT ARRAIGNMENT - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., speaks to the media after a hearing in federal court Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
CORRECTS TO HEARING, NOT ARRAIGNMENT - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., speaks to the media after a hearing in federal court Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
CORRECTS TO HEARING, NOT ARRAIGNMENT - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., left, speaks to the media as her lawyer David Markus looks on after a hearing in federal court Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
CORRECTS TO HEARING, NOT ARRAIGNMENT - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., speaks to the media after a hearing in federal court Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

Overview

  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces 15 federal counts tied to an alleged $5 million overpayment to her family’s company, Trinity Health Care Services, in 2021.
  • Prosecutors allege the money was routed through associates for personal use and straw donations to her 2021 congressional campaign, including a reported $109,000 yellow diamond ring.
  • The congresswoman reiterated her innocence outside court and has pleaded not guilty, while her attorneys characterize the case as politically motivated and discriminatory.
  • She remains free on $60,000 bond, has surrendered her personal passport, and is limited to travel between South Florida and the Washington, D.C. area, with specific court-approved exceptions.
  • Her office addressed a holiday post that showed an edited official portrait without the ring cited in the indictment, with her chief of staff calling the alteration unauthorized.