Florida Lawmaker Edits Photo to Remove $100K Ring After Being Accused of Stealing Millions

YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November for allegedly stealing millions in disaster relief funds and using the money for personal purchases, including a $100,000 ring.

• After the congresswoman shared a photo of herself on Christmas, social media users noticed that the ring had been edited out of the previously shared image.

• In a statement, a representative for Cherfilus-McCormick said that the decision to edit the photo “was not directed, approved or authorized” by the politician.

After a Florida congresswoman shared a photo of herself in a holiday greeting, social media users quickly noticed that the ring – which was allegedly paid for using funds stolen from relief funds – had been edited.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat representing Florida’s 20th congressional district, shared the message on X on Friday, December 25, posting a photo of herself and a message that read: “From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season. 🎄.”

In response, X users pointed out that a previously publicized version of the image had shown a ring on one of the congressman’s fingers. “What happened to your ring?” and “Where is the ring you bought with stolen funds?” were some of the responses sent to Cherfilus-McCormick.

Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted last month on charges that she stole millions in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds, according to CBS 12 and The Miami New Times. Among the items allegedly purchased was the $100,000 piece of jewelry.

Cherfilus-McCormick’s chief of staff, Naomie Pierre-Louis, told CBS 12 in a statement after the new photo surfaced, “This action was not directed, approved or authorized by the Congresswoman.”

“It was a staff-level decision made by well-intentioned individuals seeking to protect the Member’s reputation. It was unauthorized and should not have happened,” she continued. “The image is the official portrait of the Congresswoman, and she has no intention of changing or editing it now or in the future.”

Pierre-Louis did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, December 27.

In November, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick on charges that she stole federal disaster money.

The politician reportedly used a $109,000 cashier’s check to buy the 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring in New York City in September 2021, according to The Miami New Timeswhich cited the indictment.

The outlet also consulted with a Tiffany & Co. customer consultant, who identified the sparkler as two of the luxury jeweler’s rings based on a photo. “This appears to be the Tiffany Fancy Yellow Single Row Soleste, and the Victoria Band ring,” said the consultant. The Miami New Times.

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The federal indictment accuses Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother of misappropriating $5 million in FEMA relief funds that were intended for the COVID-19 response, according to CBS 12.

The indictment alleges the funds — which were accidentally overpaid to their family company in 2021 — were laundered through various accounts and then funneled to her 2022 congressional campaign, as well as personal expenses, including the circus, per CBS 12 and The Miami New Times.

Cherfilus-McCormick is charged with theft of government funds, false tax returns, conspiracy and more, CBS 12 reported, citing court records.

She faces 15 federal counts in total and, if convicted, could face up to 53 years behind bars, according to the outlet.

The congresswoman, who surrendered to authorities in Miami on Nov. 25 and was subsequently released on bond, has pleaded not guilty, according to CBS 12.

She is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Monday, December 29.

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