DEC 26, 2025, AT 03:28 PM EST
UPDATED
DEC 26, 2025, AT 03:29 PM EST
Florida Democrat Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has come under fire for allegedly editing out her diamond ring in a new holiday photo post shared on X.
Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, was indicted in November for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA coronavirus relief funds. The new post appears to have airbrushed out a $109,000 yellow diamond ring she’s accused of buying with the allegedly stolen cash.
Newsweek reached out to Cherfilus-McCormick for comment via email.
Why It Matters
A federal grand jury in Miami indicted Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants in November, charging them with stealing roughly $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster-relief funds. They are also accused of funneling the money into Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Cherfilus-McCormick represents Florida’s 20th District. Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, also was charged after allegedly diverting an overpayment from a COVID-19 vaccination-staffing contract to the family’s home health care business. Both have pleaded not guilty.
From left: Representative Ilhan Omar, then-first lady Jill Biden and Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick attend the Women of Impact Celebration hosted by ELLE at Ciel Social Club on April 28, 2023, in Washington. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for ELLE).
What To Know
Cherfilus-McCormick used a previously shared photo of herself on Christmas as part of a holiday greeting post on X.
“From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season,” she wrote on Christmas Day.
While the original photo shows Cherfilus-McCormick’s diamond ring on her left hand, it’s missing from the new post’s photo, sparking accusations that she and her team airbushed the diamond out.
Because prosecutors are alleging that Cherfilus-McCormick funneled money meant for disaster relief to her personal family accounts, the ring’s disappearance is being called out as a possible deception of how she used the funds for personal gain.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied claims and is pleading not guilty while still serving Florida’s 20th District.
In 2024, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management sued Trinity Healthcare Services, which Cherfilus-McCormick led before entering Congress. The company was accused of overcharging Florida by nearly $5.8 million for COVID-19 vaccination registration work.
Cherfilus-McCormick was born in Brooklyn, New York, and earned a B.A. from Howard University and a J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law before running Trinity Healthcare Services and eventually serving in Congress.
Cherfilus-McCormick used a previously shared photo of herself on Christmas as part of a holiday greeting post on X.
“From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season,” she wrote on Christmas Day.
While the original photo shows Cherfilus-McCormick’s diamond ring on her left hand, it’s missing from the new post’s photo, sparking accusations that she and her team airbushed the diamond out.
Because prosecutors are alleging that Cherfilus-McCormick funneled money meant for disaster relief to her personal family accounts, the ring’s disappearance is being called out as a possible deception of how she used the funds for personal gain.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied claims and is pleading not guilty while still serving Florida’s 20th District.
In 2024, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management sued Trinity Healthcare Services, which Cherfilus-McCormick led before entering Congress. The company was accused of overcharging Florida by nearly $5.8 million for COVID-19 vaccination registration work.
Cherfilus-McCormick was born in Brooklyn, New York, and earned a B.A. from Howard University and a J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law before running Trinity Healthcare Services and eventually serving in Congress.
What People Are Saying
Mario Nawfel, founder of IBC Group Official, on X: “She's pleading not guilty, calling it a distraction, but with DOJ pushing theft and laundering charges that could mean decades behind bars, this holiday hide-and-seek ain't helping her case. Refuses to resign, still serving FL-20, talk about tone-deaf timing.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a previous statement: “Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime. 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.”
Alec Lace, podcast host of First Class Fatherhood and the host of The Alec Lace Show, on X: “Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick CAUGHT photoshopping her $109K diamond ring out of Christmas post. She bought with stolen FEMA funds. She once promised voters $1,000/month under her People’s Prosperity Plan. It never happened. Only Sheila prospered.”
What Happens Next
The investigation into Cherfilus-McCormick is ongoing. If convicted, she faces up to 53 years in prison, while her brother faces up to 35 years, according to prosecutors.
By Suzanne Blake
Reporter, Consumer & Social Trends
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