House panel finds Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 ethics charges

The vote came after a nearly seven-hour televised House trial. The Florida Democrat has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to criminal charges.

WASHINGTON — After a rare and dramatic public hearing, a special House Ethics subcommittee on Friday found Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., guilty of 25 ethics charges, capping a three-year investigation into allegations she stole millions in federal relief funds and funneled some of that to her congressional campaign.

The secret vote came after Cherfilus-McCormick and her attorney sat for a nearly seven-hour televised House trial, after which lawmakers on the panel deliberated overnight for hours before reaching their decision.

Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty in a separate but related federal criminal case.

“I look forward to proving my innocence,” the congresswoman said in a statement. “Until then, my focus remains where it belongs: showing up for the great people of Florida’s 20th District who sent me to Washington to fight for them.”

The decision likely sets the stage for Cherfilus-McCormick’s ouster from Congress.