Dem rep charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds

The indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, worked through their family healthcare company on a FEMA-funded Covid-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021. Prosecutors say that in July 2021, the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds.

The defendants allegedly conspired to steal the $5 million and route it through multiple accounts to disguise where it came from. Prosecutors claim a substantial portion of the funds was used as campaign contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign, as well as personal benefits for the defendants.

“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”

Cherfilus-McCormick as well her brother worked for a healthcare company through their family with a FEMA-funded Covid-19 contract related to vaccines in 2021, the indictment said. Prosecutors alleged that the company got an overpayment of $5 million from FEMA in 2021.

FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X in response to the indictment, “This individual and her family allegedly stole money from FEMA and then laundered it through friends toward her own personal benefits - including her campaign accounts. Today the FBI and partners at [the Justice Department] took action. No one is above the law.”

GOP lawmakers also sounded off about the case. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) posted to X, "This is one of the most egregious abuses of public trust I have ever seen.”

Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted.