Haitian-American U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick returned to a Miami federal courtroom Tuesday for what was scheduled to be her arraignment on charges related to the alleged theft of $5 million in government relief funds.
However, the arraignment was postponed again after the law firm temporarily representing Cherfilus-McCormick requested more time. Miami attorney David Markus of Markus Moss PLLC told U.S. Magistrate Enjolique Lett that there are still financial and “other complications” that need to be resolved before the firm can be permanently retained.
“At some point we’re going to have to decide what’s going on,” Lett said during a hearing that lasted just four minutes.
“You’re absolutely right, your honor,” Markus replied. “I think we can work this out.”
The magistrate agreed to defer the arraignment until Feb. 3, after Markus pledged that the retention issue would be resolved by then — either with the hiring of his firm or another attorney. The delay effectively pushes back a Jan. 26 trial date previously set by U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles, who is overseeing the case. Cherfilus-McCormick is scheduled to appear Wednesday morning before Gayles for a separate scheduling conference.
Markus told Judge Lett that he would update Gayles on the situation when he appears in court with the congresswoman. After Tuesday’s hearing, both Markus and Cherfilus-McCormick left the C. Clyde Atkins U.S. Courthouse in downtown Miami without commenting to reporters.
Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, a Democrat, was indicted in late November on multiple counts, including theft of $5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, conspiracy to commit theft, money laundering, conspiracy to make and receive straw donor contributions, and conspiracy to make a false and fraudulent statement on a tax return.
The congresswoman first appeared in court on Dec. 29 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid, but that arraignment was postponed after it was determined her permanent legal representation had not been finalized.
As a result, Cherfilus-McCormick has not yet entered a plea. She has repeatedly declared her innocence in public statements. In December, she said, “In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I am committed to the people of Florida in my district. We are going to continue fighting and making sure everyone gets the representation they need.”
“We look forward to our day in court so we can prove our innocence,” she added. “A lot has been said about what was done, but it was never done. There’s no place ever in my life I have ever been accused of anything.”
In November, Cherfilus-McCormick described the indictment as “baseless.” The case is expected to continue drawing national attention as the legal process unfolds.
