The arraignment for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was postponed to Jan. 20, 2026 while she finalizes legal representation. Attorney David Markus alleged evidence that elements within the Florida Democratic Party targeted the congresswoman, a claim the state party chair declined to address. Cherfilus-McCormick faces a 15-count indictment alleging she and others diverted about $5 million in pandemic-era emergency reimbursements; prosecutors also allege money laundering, straw-donor contributions and purchase of a $109,000 yellow diamond ring. She has pleaded not guilty, posted bond, and was removed from a key subcommittee post as the matter proceeds.
Cherfilus-McCormick Arraignment Postponed to Jan. 20, 2026; Attorney Alleges Florida Democrats Targeted Her
A federal judge in Miami on Monday agreed to postpone the arraignment of Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick as she finalizes legal representation in a criminal case alleging misuse of federal emergency funds.
Arraignment Delayed While Defense Secures Counsel
The court approved moving the arraignment to Jan. 20, 2026, after Cherfilus-McCormick informed the court she intends to retain David Markus as lead counsel. Outside the courthouse, Markus declined to explain why his firm had not yet been formally retained but said the delay will allow his team to "make arrangements to come in permanently to the case." Prosecutors did not object to the short postponement.
Defense Alleges Political Targeting
Markus told reporters the case stems from what his team believes are minor mistakes, and that they are "starting to uncover evidence that folks within the Florida Democratic Party are the ones targeting the congresswoman." He said the defense will investigate and seek to expose anyone targeting Cherfilus-McCormick. Nikki Fried, chair of the Democratic Party of Florida, declined to comment.
Court Appearance Details
Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, appeared at the brief hearing with Markus and Melissa Madrigal of the Miami-based criminal defense firm Markus/Moss. Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid granted the delay after less than five minutes on the record, noting that allowing the defendant to be represented by counsel of her choice constituted a reasonable period of delay.
Allegations and Background
The congresswoman was indicted on 15 counts, accused of diverting roughly $5 million in federal emergency reimbursements that her family business, Trinity Health Care Services, received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors say Trinity submitted paperwork for reimbursement of about $50,578.50 in services, but a clerical error — extra zeroes — resulted in an overpayment exceeding $5 million.
"In no way did I steal any kind of funds," Cherfilus-McCormick told reporters. "We look forward to our day in court so we can prove our innocence."
Federal law requires contractors who identify overpayments to report and return the money. Prosecutors allege Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, conspired to keep and launder the excess funds, recruited family and friends to make campaign contributions that were later reimbursed, and assisted in misstating tax filings. The indictment also claims she purchased a $109,000 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring with some of the money; she was not wearing such a ring at Monday's hearing.
Related Charges, Bail And Possible Penalties
Others charged include Cherfilus-McCormick's chief of staff, Nadege Leblanc; tax preparer David Spencer; and her brother. Cherfilus-McCormick previously posted bond after an initial November court appearance. Her travel has been restricted to the Southern District of Florida, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland; the court later granted a modification allowing travel to Brevard County to visit a family member recovering from surgery. If convicted on all counts, she faces up to 53 years in prison, according to prosecutors.
Complicating Details And Political Fallout
The indictment raises timing questions that could be pivotal at trial. Florida's Division of Emergency Management sued Trinity over the overpayment last year; that dispute resulted in a settlement under which Trinity agreed to repay the money in 15 annual installments. Prosecutors also note that alleged straw-donor contributions began in late June, before the $5 million deposit posted to Trinity's account on July 1.
Politically, some Republican members of Congress have urged Cherfilus-McCormick's removal, while Democratic leaders removed her as the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa while the case proceeds.
The congresswoman first gained national attention after narrowly winning a 2021 special primary by five votes in a reliably Democratic district and then winning the January 2022 special election to fill the late Rep. Alcee Hastings' seat. She has said she largely self-funded her campaign.
Help us improve.
