Overview
- The Florida congresswoman was not in court as attorney William Barzee entered the plea, saying she was in Washington for congressional business.
- She faces 15 federal counts that include theft of government funds, straw-donor contributions, aiding a false tax return, money laundering, and related conspiracies.
- Prosecutors say Trinity Healthcare requested $50,000 but mistakenly received $5 million in 2021, which was not returned and was partly routed through associates who donated to her campaign.
- The indictment alleges more than $100,000 of the money went toward a 3-carat yellow diamond ring within two months of the payment.
- She was arrested in November and released on a $60,000 bond, must surrender her personal passport, can travel only to specified jurisdictions, and previously agreed through her company to repay the funds in a state civil settlement.