JUST IN: Democrat Congresswoman Surrenders To Authorities
Embattled Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) walked into a downtown Miami courthouse in silence Tuesday and posted bond as she faces the full weight of a federal indictment that accuses her of looting millions in disaster relief cash.
The South Florida Democrat surrendered to authorities earlier in the day and was only seen publicly inside the courtroom, shackled at the wrists while her husband watched from the gallery, looking visibly shaken. Prosecutors say she helped siphon off $5 million in FEMA funds through a family business and even funneled some of the cash into her own campaign.
The 15-count indictment reads like a greatest hits of public corruption. Federal officials accuse her of theft of government funds, money laundering, straw donor schemes, and filing bogus tax returns. If convicted, she could be staring down more than 50 years behind bars and over $2 million in fines.
Cherfilus-McCormick appeared before a federal judge shortly after 1:30 p.m. and acknowledged the charges. Her lawyers came out swinging afterward.
“I think if there is anything we have learned in recent times, it’s that this government is willing to charge and indict and arrest somebody without actual evidence,” said temporary counsel Lauren Krasnoff of Markus & Ross.
Pressed on comments pointing to federal targeting of black lawmakers, Krasnoff didn’t back off.
“I think we’ve seen that pattern,” she said.
A judge approved the congresswoman’s release on a $25,000 personal surety bond and 5% of another $35,000 bond. With one signature and a $1,750 payment, she was allowed to walk out of the courthouse.
She must surrender her personal passport but can keep her congressional passport. Travel is restricted to the Southern District of Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The congresswoman is innocent, and we are going to prove that,” Krasnoff said before leaving.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s husband exited without answering questions.
Her next court date is Dec. 29, when she will be arraigned and lock in her permanent legal team.
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