Congresswoman’s Portrait Edited, Diamond Ring Removed
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The ring seen here was edited out of her Christmas message. (House of Representives.)
Holiday greetings from a South Florida lawmaker have sparked attention over a notable missing accessory. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat representing Florida’s 20th District who is under federal indictment, shared a Christmas message on X featuring her official portrait. Observers quickly noticed a change: a large diamond ring that appeared in earlier images was absent. Comments like “What happened to your ring?” quickly flooded the post.
In November, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick on allegations that she took roughly $5 million in FEMA COVID-19 relief funds that were mistakenly overpaid to her family’s company and allegedly laundered the money through multiple accounts. Prosecutors claim the funds were used for her 2022 congressional campaign and personal expenses, including a 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring purchased with a $109,000 cashier’s check in 2021, according to the Miami New Times.
After the missing-ring questions arose, Cherfilus-McCormick’s chief of staff, Naomie Pierre-Louis, told CBS 12 that the photo edit “was not directed, approved or authorized by the congresswoman,” describing it as a staff-level action by “well-intentioned individuals” that “should not have occurred.”
Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to 15 federal charges, including theft of government funds, filing false tax returns, and conspiracy. She surrendered to authorities in Miami on November 25, was released on bond, and faces the possibility of decades in prison if convicted.
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