The Republican Party of Florida criticized U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) for refusing to call for the resignation of fellow Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick following her indictment last week on federal charges that accuse her of stealing federal emergency aid money.
"Democrats like Moskowitz are such hypocrites when it comes to cleaning house in their own party. The evidence is clear — Cherfilus-McCormick has to go, and if Moskowitz can’t support that for the good of his constituents, he has to go too,” Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said in a statement.
The National Republican Congressional Committee also called out Rep. Moskowitz just days ago for his silence on the matter.
According to the Department of Justice, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother allegedly stole $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds before laundering the proceeds in an effort to aid her 2021 congressional campaign.
The funds came following an overpayment from a FEMA-backed COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract tied to the pair's family health-care company, Trinity Healthcare Services. The indictment also indicated Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother allegedly routed the stolen money to several accounts to avoid detection.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said after the indictment. “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”
Rep. Cheriflus-McCormick has denied the charges, calling the indictment "unjust," baseless," and a "sham," while proclaiming her innocence. She also essentially suggested the allegations could be politically motivated.
"The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues," Cheriflus-McCormick wrote. "From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved."
Cheriflus-McCormick has represented Florida's 20th Congressional District since 2022. The area includes western and central Broward County, as well as a small portion of Palm Beach County in South Florida.
Her colleague, Rep. Moskowitz, serves the 23rd Congressional District. The area is near CD 20, and includes parts of Broward County and southern Palm Beach County.
Rep. Moskowitz is up for election next year. Could the Florida GOP be attacking the Democrat specifically to boost their candidate's chances?
If convicted, Cheriflus-McCormick potentially faces up to 53 years in prison.
