WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) is facing a formal House Ethics investigation over allegations that she diverted millions in taxpayer dollars to a for-profit entity and misused campaign funds—raising serious questions about financial conduct within her congressional office.
According to Punchbowl News, the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) has launched a full-scale probe into the Florida congresswoman, alleging she may have redirected $5 million in 2023 federal funds intended for a nonprofit—the Figgers Foundation, a Florida-based telehealth group—to a private, for-profit business.
The allegations, first reported in a newly released OCC report, include:
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Improper use of federal funds for non-charitable purposes
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Unreported or misreported in-kind campaign contributions
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Potential favors granted to associates in securing community project funding
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Mislabeling of donation sources, possibly in violation of campaign finance laws
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Accepting contributions under another person’s name
The report states that Cherfilus-McCormick’s office may have violated House rules and ethical standards, triggering the required referral to the House Ethics Committee after a one-year period of inaction.
The Ethics Committee confirmed that all five allegations advanced to the investigative stage, but emphasized that no final determination has yet been made.
In a statement responding to the probe, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick said she is cooperating fully:
“The Committee on Ethics has not yet concluded its review of the allegations, and no decision has been made at this time. As outlined in the Committee’s public statement, the referral for further review does not imply that any violation has occurred. I fully respect the process and remain committed to cooperating with the Committee as it works to bring this inquiry to a close.”
The Florida Democrat, who was elected in a 2022 special election, has positioned herself as a progressive voice focused on healthcare and economic equity. The unfolding investigation could complicate her political future.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
