A Florida Democrat facing sweeping federal corruption charges appears to have digitally altered her official congressional portrait after prosecutors accused her of using stolen disaster relief funds to buy a six-figure diamond ring.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), who was indicted last month on multiple felony counts, posted a revised image of herself on Christmas Day that conspicuously omits a yellow diamond ring previously visible on her left hand.
The unedited version of the photograph serves as her official House portrait.
The photo alteration comes as Cherfilus-McCormick stands accused of stealing millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds.
She allegedly laundered the money through a web of bank accounts before redirecting portions to benefit herself and her political campaign.
BREAKING – Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been caught airbrushing out of her Christmas Day message the $109,000 diamond ring she purchased using part of the $5 million she stole in FEMA funds. pic.twitter.com/CzILHbDE2s
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) December 26, 2025
According to the 15-count federal indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick’s family-run healthcare company received an accidental $5 million FEMA overpayment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rather than returning the funds, prosecutors allege the money was moved across multiple accounts to obscure its source before a “substantial portion” was funneled into her 2021 congressional campaign.
Charging documents further allege that on or about September 1, 2021, Cherfilus-McCormick cashed a cashier’s check worth approximately $109,000 to purchase a diamond ring using the laundered FEMA funds.
Federal prosecutors describe the jewellery as a 3.14-carat “Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond,” one of the rarest and most valuable colour classifications for natural diamonds.
Last month, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, on charges including theft of government funds, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal campaign finance activity.
Both surrendered to authorities and were released on bond.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied the allegations and claimed the case is politically motivated.
“This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment, and I am innocent,” she said at the time.
“The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.”
“I look forward to my day in court,” she continued.
If convicted on all charges, she faces up to 53 years in federal prison. Her brother could be sentenced to up to 35 years.
BREAKING: Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) INDICTED for allegedly stealing and laundering $5 million in FEMA funds.
She faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted. pic.twitter.com/V11T06SW1I
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 19, 2025
Cherfilus-McCormick entered Congress after narrowly winning a 2022 special election by just five votes following a recount.
She was reelected without opposition in 2024 and is expected to face a primary challenge in 2026.
