Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida congresswoman, has entered a not guilty plea in a federal case involving an alleged $5 million overpayment of COVID-19 disaster funds to a healthcare company operated by members of her family.
A defense attorney entered the plea on her behalf during a February 3 hearing in Miami federal court. Cherfilus-McCormick was not present, citing congressional duties in Washington, D.C., where she was voting on legislation to avert a government shutdown.
Federal prosecutors allege the funds were mistakenly overpaid to Trinity Health Care Services, a Miramar-based company, and were not immediately returned. Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, were charged in a 15-count indictment that was unsealed in November. Both have denied wrongdoing.
The case is scheduled to move forward with an arraignment on April 20 before Darrin Gayles.
Separately, Trinity Health Care Services has agreed to repay the $5 million through a civil settlement with the state of Florida. In addition, the House Ethics Committee has cited “substantial reason to believe” the congresswoman may have violated campaign finance and ethics rules. A hearing related to that inquiry is set for March 5.
Cherfilus-McCormick has said she is innocent and remains focused on representing her constituents.
Legal Notice
All charges are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
