Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has been indicted on charges related to her alleged role in stealing and laundering millions of dollars in disaster funds through her family’s health care company, and then using the money to aid her run for Congress in 2021. In July of that year, the indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick’s family health care company was accidentally overpaid to the tune of $5 million dollars for a federally funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract. Instead of returning the misappropriated funds, federal prosecutors claim “a substantial portion” of the money was used for Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign and “for the personal benefit of the defendants.” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that using disaster relief funds for personal gain “is a particularly selfish, cynical crime.” The congresswoman has maintained her innocence, called the indictment a “sham,” and added that she is looking forward to her day in court. Criminal defense attorney Skye Lazaro joined “Forbes True Crime” to discuss.
Watch the full conversation above.