Democrat indicted for stealing FEMA funds

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00:00Democrat indicted for stealing FEMA funds.

00:03A federal grand jury indicted Representative Sheila Cherfilis-McCormick and others

00:08for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA disaster relief funds

00:12and laundering it for personal gain.

00:15The indictment involves a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract

00:19awarded to Trinity HealthCare linked to Cherfilis-McCormick's family

00:23with stolen funds allegedly used for her 2021 campaign and personal expenses.

00:28The indictment also alleges schemes involving straw donor contributions

00:33and filing false tax returns by misclassifying expenses

00:36and inflating charitable donations.

00:39Attorney General Pamela Bondi addressed the situation saying,

00:42Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime.

00:48No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain.

00:53We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.

00:56U.S. Attorney Jason A. Redding-Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida added,

01:02Today's indictment shows no one is above the law.

01:05This indictment reflects our office's commitment to follow the facts,

01:08apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer.

01:11The DOJ emphasized that FEMA funds belong to the public

01:15and vowed to work with law enforcement to protect taxpayer money and maintain public trust.

01:19This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment, and I am innocent.

01:25The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues,

01:29she said in a statement.

01:31From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request,

01:35and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.

01:39I am deeply grateful for the support of my district,

01:41and I remain confident that the truth will prevail.

01:44I look forward to my day in court.

01:46Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents, she added.

01:51The U.S. Attorney's Press release summarizes potential penalties included in the charging documents

01:55if Trifilus McCormick is convicted on all counts charged.

01:59She faces up to 53 years in prison.

02:01Her co-defendants face varying maximum penalties as alleged in the indictment.