By Staff Writer
A scheduled ethics hearing involving Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been rescheduled for March 26 after her legal counsel withdrew from the case, allowing the South Florida congresswoman time to retain new representation.
The proceeding, overseen by the United States House Committee on Ethics, had originally been set for earlier in the week. According to the committee, the delay was granted after Cherfilus-McCormick requested a brief continuance to secure new legal counsel following the withdrawal of her previous attorney, Washington-based lawyer Michael Stroud. The adjudicatory subcommittee approved the request.
The postponement provides the Miramar Democrat additional time to prepare for the upcoming proceedings while she continues her work representing constituents in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.
The Ethics Committee released a report earlier this year outlining several allegations related to campaign finances. Separate legal matters are also being pursued by the United States Department of Justice following a grand jury indictment last year. Cherfilus-McCormick has consistently maintained that she has done nothing wrong and has expressed confidence that the facts will ultimately clear her name.
In a public statement following the announcement of the ethics hearing, the congresswoman reaffirmed her position.
“I reject these allegations and remain confident the full facts will make clear I did nothing wrong,” Cherfilus-McCormick said. “Until then, my focus remains where it belongs — delivering for my constituents and continuing the work they sent me to Washington to do.”
Her attorney had previously filed motions requesting that the ethics proceedings either be dismissed or postponed until the federal case reaches its conclusion, citing the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold fully.
Trials before the House Ethics Committee are rare. The last such proceeding occurred in 2010 involving Charles Rangel.
Despite the ongoing legal process, Cherfilus-McCormick continues her duties in Congress and her campaign for reelection, emphasizing that her priority remains serving the people of South Florida.
