00:03A federal grand jury indicted Representative Sheila Chirfilis, McCormick, and others for allegedly stealing $5 million in federal emergency management agency disaster relief funds and laundering it for personal gain.
00:16The indictment accuses Chirfilis McCormick and associates of misusing a FEMA COVID-19 contract for personal and campaign gain, including straw donor schemes and false tax filings.
00:27Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the situation, saying,
00:31Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime.
00:36No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain.
00:41We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.
00:45U.S. Attorney Jason A. Redding Quinones for the Southern District of Florida added,
00:51Today's indictment shows no one is above the law.
00:53This indictment reflects our office's commitment to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the American taxpayer.
01:00The DOJ emphasized that FEMA funds belong to the public and vowed to work with law enforcement to protect taxpayer money and maintain public trust.
01:09This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment.
01:12And I am innocent.
01:14The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues, she said in a statement.
01:19From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.
01:28I am deeply grateful for the support of my district, and I remain confident that the truth will prevail.
01:33I look forward to my day in court.
01:35Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents, she added.
01:38The U.S. Attorney's Press release summarizes potential penalties included in the charging documents if Shrifilus McCormick is convicted on all counts charged.
01:48She faces up to 53 years in prison.
01:51Her co-defendants face varying maximum penalties, as alleged in the indictment.
01:54The list of reasons that everyone is required, says three years in prison.
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