Outside a Miami federal courthouse on Monday, U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick firmly declared her innocence in the face of charges alleging she conspired to embezzle $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds. The congresswoman, a Democrat, is adamant about her commitment to the people of Florida and denies any wrongdoing regarding the accusations.

The arraignment was initially scheduled for the day but was postponed to January 20 at the request of her attorney, who needed more time to finalize her legal team. The brief hearing, which lasted under five minutes, saw no opposition from prosecutors, and Judge Lisette Reid agreed to the new date.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Cherfilus-McCormick stated, “I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent. In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district.” Her declaration underscores her stance as she faces 15 federal counts related to allegations of misappropriating funds that were overpaid to her family’s health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, back in 2021. The company was involved in a contract to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, suggests that the case involves what he describes as errors that typically wouldn’t even result in misdemeanor charges, let alone felonies. Markus also hinted at the possibility of political motives behind the charges, expressing confidence in his client’s defense.

Cherfilus-McCormick’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, said the case involves mistakes that generally aren’t even misdemeanors, let alone felonies. He said he believes the case is politically motivated.

Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November and then freed on a $60,000 bond. In addition to bail, the judge said Cherfilus-McCormick must surrender her personal passport, and is allowed to travel only between Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland and the Eastern District of Virginia.

She has been allowed to retain her congressional passport so she can perform certain duties for her job.

According to the federal indictment, prosecutors said that within two months of receiving the funds in 2021, more than $100,000 had been spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman.

The health care company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family had received payments through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, the indictment said. Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, requested $50,000, but they mistakenly received $5 million and didn’t return the difference.

Prosecutors said the funds received by Trinity Healthcare were distributed to various accounts, including to friends and relatives who then donated to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign for Congress.

Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election in January 2022 to represent Florida’s 20th District, which includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, after Rep. Alcee Hastings died in 2021.

The charges she faces include theft of government funds; making and receiving straw donor contributions; aiding and assisting a false and fraudulent statement on a tax return; money laundering, as well as conspiracy charges associated with each of those counts.

According to a previous statement provided by Cherfilus-McCormick’s chief of staff, she doesn’t plan to resign from office. She said she has cooperated with “every lawful request” and will continue to do so until the matter is resolved.