Ethics Watchdog Reacts to Indictment of Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Following Their March Ethics Complaint Regarding $5.6 Million State Overpayment Controversy

Washington, D.C. — November 20, 2025 — The non-partisan ethics watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), which filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick with the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) in March 2025, today issued a statement following her federal indictment related to alleged misappropriation of tax-payer funds and campaign finance violations.

Statement from Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT:

"We commend the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to act on this case. This case is one where the publicly known evidence was as incriminating as we've ever seen. Not only should Floridians be outraged, but all Americans should be furious, given the fact that this money was taken from the government during an ongoing national emergency and over $5 million was then seemingly funneled into a campaign for Congress for the direct and personal benefit of Cherfilus-McCormick. 

"FACT's complaint and the charges in the indictment highlight how important it is that our oversight bodies act quickly, both to ensure criminal activity is punished and to maintain the integrity of our government. It cannot be overlooked that after it appears she used millions of dollars of tax-payer funds for her benefit, Cherfilus-McCormick was a Member of Congress for over two years.

“FACT will continue to monitor this matter closely, press for full cooperation at every level and advocate for reforms that restore transparency, strengthen consequences and reinforce the principle that public office is a public trust.”

This development follows FACT’s July 2025 referral to the Department of Justice, which highlighted a $5.8 million overpayment by the State of Florida to Trinity Health Care Services while Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick served as CEO. FACT’s filings documented how funds were allegedly misused for personal enrichment and campaign-related purposes.

The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is a nonprofit organization promoting accountability, ethics, and transparency in government and civic arenas. For more information, visit http://www.factdc.org

###