A special House Ethics subcommittee on Friday found Haitian-American Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick guilty of 25 ethics violations following a rare public hearing that capped a three-year investigation into allegations she misused millions in federal relief funds.
The decision followed a nearly seven-hour televised hearing in which Cherfilus-McCormick and her attorney presented their defense. Lawmakers then deliberated overnight before reaching a decision, marking the first public “trial” by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics in nearly 16 years.
The adjudicatory subcommittee, led by Chair Michael Guest, found “clear and convincing” evidence that Cherfilus-McCormick violated ethics rules in all but two of the 27 counts brought against her.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty in a separate federal criminal case tied to the same allegations.
“I look forward to proving my innocence,” Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement. “Until then, my focus remains where it belongs: showing up for the great people of Florida’s 20th District who sent me to Washington to fight for them.”
The three-term lawmaker, who also faces related criminal charges in Florida, did not vote Friday morning on the House floor following the ruling.
The Ethics Committee is expected to hold a hearing after the House’s two-week spring recess to determine potential sanctions. Possible penalties include censure, removal from committee assignments, or expulsion from Congress.
The decision increases pressure on Democratic leadership, though Rep. Hakeem Jeffries declined to comment when asked whether Cherfilus-McCormick should remain in Congress.
The ethics findings stem from a November indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging Cherfilus-McCormick stole and laundered $5 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to prosecutors, her family-owned company, Trinity Healthcare Services, received a $5 million overpayment tied to a COVID-19 vaccination contract. Authorities allege that instead of returning the funds, Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother routed the money through multiple accounts and used it to help finance her successful 2022 special election campaign.
If convicted in the criminal case, Cherfilus-McCormick could face more than 50 years in prison.
The House Ethics investigation began in 2023 after the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended a formal probe. In December, the subcommittee issued a statement outlining 27 alleged violations, stating there was “substantial reason to believe” the Florida Democrat violated House rules, regulations, or federal law.
The latest findings now set the stage for a potential vote by the full House that could determine Cherfilus-McCormick’s future in Congress.
