By Blessing Nweke
A special House Ethics subcommittee has found Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 ethics violations, concluding a three-year investigation into allegations that she misused millions in federal relief funds and directed some toward her congressional campaign.
The decision followed a rare, nearly seven-hour televised hearing that functioned as a House trial. After overnight deliberations, the bipartisan panel reached its verdict in a closed-door vote Friday. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied all wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty in a related federal criminal case.
“I look forward to proving my innocence,” she said in a statement, emphasizing her commitment to constituents in Florida’s 20th District.
The ruling sets up a potential expulsion fight in the House. Greg Steube said he plans to introduce a measure to remove her once the full Ethics Committee recommends sanctions. Possible penalties include censure, committee removal or expulsion.
Some Democrats also urged her resignation. Meanwhile, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to say whether she should remain in office.
The case echoes the 2023 expulsion of George Santos, who was removed before his criminal conviction, setting a modern precedent.
Federal prosecutors allege Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother diverted $5 million in FEMA funds tied to a pandemic-era contract involving her family’s company, Trinity Healthcare Services. Investigators say portions were routed through multiple accounts and used to bolster her 2022 campaign. She faces decades in prison if convicted.
Ethics investigators reviewed more than 33,000 documents and conducted 28 interviews. Committee counsel argued she funneled over $500,000 into outside groups aiding her campaign, including a $2 million transfer briefly used to inflate campaign finances.
A sanctions hearing is expected after Congress returns from recess.
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