Overview
- After surrendering in Miami, the congresswoman made her initial appearance as a judge set $60,000 bond, ordered her to surrender her personal passport, and limited travel to Washington, D.C., Maryland, the Eastern District of Virginia, and South Florida, while allowing use of her congressional passport.
- The indictment says Florida mistakenly deposited $5,057,850—rather than $50,578.50—into an account controlled by her and her brother through Trinity Health Care Services.
- Prosecutors allege the money was routed through associates for straw-donor contributions to her 2021 campaign and used for personal purchases, including a three-carat yellow diamond ring.
- Three co-defendants—her brother Edwin Cherfilus, aide Nadege Leblanc, and tax preparer David Spencer—are also charged and have appeared in court, and her arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 29.
- She denies wrongdoing, says she will remain in office and cooperate with investigators, and faces a potential maximum of 53 years in prison if convicted, according to the Justice Department.