Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faced renewed online scrutiny on Christmas Day after social media users accused her of digitally removing a diamond ring from a holiday greeting photo posted to X, weeks after federal prosecutors alleged the jewelry was purchased with stolen FEMA funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, shared the photo on Thursday morning alongside a holiday message that read, “From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season.” The image showed the congresswoman standing with her arms crossed in front of American and Florida flags, with “MERRY CHRISTMAS” displayed across the photo.
From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season. 🎄#SCM #FL20 pic.twitter.com/rO7VVjCggA
— Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (@CongresswomanSC) December 25, 2025
Shortly after the post went live, users began circulating screenshots comparing the Christmas image to earlier photographs in which Cherfilus-McCormick appeared wearing a large yellow diamond ring.
In the Christmas photo, the ring was no longer visible, leading critics to accuse the congresswoman of digitally altering the image.
One user wrote, “LMAO. She magic erased the ring she spent $109k in stolen FEMA funds on.”
LMAO
She magic erased the ring she spent $109k in stolen FEMA funds on. pic.twitter.com/kjMk3Ry8jp
— Matt Sharpsteen (@mattasharpsteen) December 25, 2025
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The ring has become a focal point in a federal criminal case against Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, 51.
On November 19, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted the siblings on charges related to an alleged scheme to steal millions of dollars in federal disaster relief funds.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecutors allege that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother conspired to steal approximately $5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2021.
The funds were allegedly overpaid to their family-owned healthcare company, Trinity Health Care Services, after an invoice submitted to Florida’s Division of Emergency Management included a deliberately inflated figure caused by a decimal point error. The invoice was related to COVID-19 vaccine registration services.
Federal prosecutors claim the siblings knowingly accepted the overpayment and then moved the funds through multiple bank accounts to conceal their origins.
Portions of the money were allegedly used for personal expenses and political purposes.
The indictment specifically alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick purchased a 3.14-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond ring for $109,000 from a New York City jeweler on September 1, 2021.
The purchase was allegedly made using a cashier’s check tied to the misappropriated FEMA funds, according to reporting by Miami New Times.
The same ring was later worn by Cherfilus-McCormick in her official U.S. House portrait.
NEW: Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick caught editing out a $109,000 ring that was allegedly purchased with stolen FEMA funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a grand jury in Miami for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds.
The Democrat was accused of using… pic.twitter.com/oIPj7F4KS5
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 26, 2025
In addition to the jewelry purchase, prosecutors allege that some of the funds were funneled into Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional campaign.
Federal Election Commission records show that she loaned her 2022 campaign approximately $6.2 million in more than 100 separate transactions.
At the time, Cherfilus-McCormick served as the chief executive officer of Trinity Health Care Services.
The loans played a significant role in financing her successful Democratic primary and general election campaigns.
The indictment charges Cherfilus-McCormick with 15 counts, including theft of government funds, money laundering, and making illegal campaign contributions.
Her brother faces related charges connected to the alleged scheme.
Following her arrest, Cherfilus-McCormick was released from custody on November 25 after posting a $60,000 bond.
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case remains pending in federal court as prosecutors continue to pursue charges related to the alleged misuse of disaster relief funds, campaign finance violations, and money laundering activities tied to the FEMA payments.
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