An eight-member bipartisan subcommittee of the House Ethics Committee worked late into the night Thursday as it reviewed the actions of Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). She was accused of violating campaign laws by accepting over $5 million in federal disaster relief funds for a family business and channeling a significant portion of that money into her 2022 congressional campaign.
On Friday, the Ethics Committee announced that, after approximately seven hours of deliberation, the subcommittee found “clear and convincing” evidence of Cherfilus-McCormick’s guilt on 25 of the 27 counts against her. The outcome could pave the way for the congresswoman to face expulsion from Congress.
The committee then announced its next steps: “Shortly after the House returns from the April recess, the full Committee will hold a hearing to determine what, if any, sanction would be appropriate for the Committee to recommend.”
The decision followed what has been described as a “rare” public hearing—some have even referred to it as a “trial”—held on Thursday to review the committee’s motion for summary judgment regarding the violations against Cherfilus-McCormick. The congresswoman attended the hearing with her attorney, William Barzee, who had requested a postponement of the hearing until after her court appearance for federal charges related to many of the same allegations.
“She’s absolutely innocent. She’s looking forward to being in criminal court in order to prove her innocence, which I’m confident she’s going to be able to do,” Barzee told the subcommittee members, adding that any determination in the House “will result in a loss of her constitutional rights.”
Among the 27 counts considered by the committee were conduct by Cherfilus-McCormick that “Does Not Reflect Creditably on the House”; conduct that “Violates the Letter and Spirit of House Rules”; “Failure to Uphold the Laws and Regulations of the United States”; and “Lack of Candor and Diligence in Ethics Investigations.”
Here are the two counts she was found not guilty on:
Not proven:
COUNT 17: False Statements (relating to false statements to FEC. false reports to FEC also covered in other counts)
COUNT 27: Lack of Candor and Diligence in Ethics Investigations
Cherfilus-McCormick, currently campaigning for her fourth term in Congress, is facing federal charges related to allegations that she embezzled $5 million in COVID-era disaster relief funds. Reports claim she spent some of this money on luxury items, including a 3-carat yellow diamond ring. Alongside her, prosecutors have also charged her brother, her former chief of staff, and her accountant in connection with the alleged scheme. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and her attorney indicated on Thursday that the criminal trial is anticipated to begin in the coming months.