DHS bars Dem ex-Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, her family and friends from federal funds over alleged $5M FEMA theft
The Department of Homeland Security has barred former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, her family, associates, and affiliated businesses from receiving federal funds following her indictment on charges of diverting $5.7 million in FEMA relief money. The funds, intended for a COVID-19 vaccination initiative through her family's company Trinity Healthcare Service, were allegedly funneled to support her 2021 congressional campaign and personal expenses. Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress just before a potential expulsion vote, after a House ethics panel found her guilty of over 25 violations related to the fraud.
- ▪The Department of Homeland Security suspended Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, her relatives, and associates from accessing federal funds due to alleged misuse of $5.7 million in FEMA relief money.
- ▪A Miami federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick for allegedly using the funds to finance her 2021 House campaign and enrich her family through shell companies and false tax filings.
- ▪Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress on April 21, 2026, minutes before a House Ethics Committee vote that could have led to her censure or expulsion.
- ▪The House Ethics Committee found her guilty of at least 25 ethics violations following a public hearing, and she faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
- ▪The debarred individuals include her parents, siblings, former chief of staff, and tax preparer, along with their associated LLCs, which received portions of the misused funds.
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Politics exclusive DHS bars ex-Dem Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, her family and friends from federal funds over alleged $5M FEMA theft By Josh Christenson Published May 1, 2026, 11:54 a.m. ET WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security has suspended former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) as well as her family, associates and businesses from receiving future federal funds after she was indicted for allegedly stealing $5.7 million in taxpayer money. DHS General Counsel James Percival told The Post in a statement that Cherfilus-McCormick “abused Americans’ trust in the most egregious way” by having “manipulated the COVID-19 crisis to funnel over $5 million dollars of FEMA relief funds to her and her family members.” Among those blacklisted from future monies are her brother,…
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