Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns amid campaign finance violations

Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned from the US Congress following an ethics investigation that uncovered more than 20 violations, including illegal campaign finance activities.

The Ethics Committee found that Cherfilus-McCormick had funneled federal disaster aid funds into her election campaign and used the money for luxury purchases, such as a $109,000 yellow diamond ring.

She was elected in 2022 and maintained her innocence throughout the investigation, describing it as a "witch hunt" and stating she chose to step away rather than engage in political games.

Cherfilus-McCormick resigned minutes before the House Ethics Committee was set to convene and recommend disciplinary action.

The committee had determined she committed 25 violations of House rules and ethical standards.

Her resignation came ahead of a rare expulsion vote in Congress.

The House Speaker noted that the Ethics Committee had found "clear and convincing evidence" of wrongdoing, describing the facts as indisputable.

The former congresswoman also faces federal charges related to allegedly stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster funds.

Prosecutors allege she and an associate diverted FEMA contract funds to friends and relatives, who then donated the money back to her campaign as personal contributions.

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