Florida Congresswoman Accused of Stealing $5 Million in COVID Funds Maintains Innocence

A South Florida congresswoman accused of conspiring to steal $5 million in COVID-19 disaster funds to pay for her campaign, maintained her innocence on Monday in a speech outside a Miami courthouse. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and several co-defendants were charged in November with taking the money, laundering the proceeds, and using the funds to support her 2021 congressional campaign. “I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent,” Cherfilus-McCormick said immediately after leaving court. “In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district.” Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, but her attorney asked Judge Lisette Reid for an extension to allow her to finalize her legal team. Prosecutors did not object, and the judge granted the request....