A Florida Democrat, embroiled in a sweeping federal corruption case, is accused of digitally altering her official congressional portrait after being charged with using stolen disaster relief funds to purchase a costly diamond ring.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) was indicted last month on several felony charges, and on Christmas Day, she posted a modified image of herself that conspicuously omits a yellow diamond ring previously visible on her left hand.
According to Gateway Pundit, the unedited version of the photograph serves as her official House portrait. The alteration comes amid accusations that Cherfilus-McCormick misappropriated millions in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds.
Allegedly, she laundered the money through a network of bank accounts, redirecting portions to benefit herself and her political campaign.
The 15-count federal indictment claims that Cherfilus-McCormicks family-run healthcare company received an accidental $5 million FEMA overpayment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of returning the funds, prosecutors allege the money was moved across multiple accounts to obscure its source before a substantial portion was funneled into her 2021 congressional campaign.
Charging documents further allege that on or about September 1, 2021, Cherfilus-McCormick cashed a cashiers check worth approximately $109,000 to purchase a diamond ring using the laundered FEMA funds. Federal prosecutors describe the jewelry as a 3.14-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond, one of the rarest and most valuable color classifications for natural diamonds.
Last month, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, on charges including theft of government funds, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal campaign finance activity. Both surrendered to authorities and were released on bond. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied the allegations and claimed the case is politically motivated.
This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment, and I am innocent, she said at the time. The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved. I look forward to my day in court, she continued.
If convicted on all charges, she faces up to 53 years in federal prison, while her brother could be sentenced to up to 35 years. Cherfilus-McCormick entered Congress after narrowly winning a 2022 special election by just five votes following a recount.
She was reelected without opposition in 2024 and is expected to face a primary challenge in 2026. As the legal proceedings unfold, questions about the integrity of elected officials and the misuse of taxpayer funds remain at the forefront of public discourse.
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