U.S. House panel says Florida Democrat guilty on 25 of 27 ethics charges

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(The Center Square) – Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been found guilty of 25 of 27 ethics charges by a congressional panel.

The three-year probe into charges of stealing millions in federal relief funds, some routed into her congressional campaign, is not over with Friday’s decision by the adjudicatory subcommittee of the Ethics Committee in the House of Representatives. Next up is a full committee hearing after the two-week recess for Easter.

Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and ranking member Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., in a joint statement said the statement of alleged violations counts 1-15 and 17-26 were found to be “proven by clear and convincing evidence.” Any sanctions will be assessed by the full committee.

Among the options are Cherfilus-McCormick tendering resignation or expulsion. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., said he would prepare the latter.

Expeling a member of the House takes a two-thirds vote.

Among the accusations is $5 million in FEMA funds paid to her family’s company and transferred to her and others for the congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick and three others have been indicted, charged not only with routing money to the campaign but also her personal gain.

She and lawyer William Barzee were in a seven-hour hearing open to the public on Thursday. The subcommittee deliberated past midnight.