After a Florida congresswoman shared a holiday greeting featuring a portrait of herself, some social media users said a ring visible in earlier versions of the image appeared to have been edited out.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat representing Florida’s 20th congressional district, posted the message on X on Friday, Dec. 25, alongside a portrait and a note that read: “From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season. 🎄.”
In replies, users pointed to a previously circulated version of the same portrait that showed a ring on one of her fingers. Comments included: “What happened to your ring?” and “Where is the ring you bought with stolen funds?”
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted last month on allegations tied to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster-relief money, according to CBS 12 and The Miami New Times. Those reports said the indictment alleges a $100,000 ring was among the purchases connected to the case.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s chief of staff, Naomie Pierre-Louis, told CBS 12 in a statement after the edited image drew attention: “This action was not directed, approved or authorized by the Congresswoman.”
“It was a staff-level decision made by well-intentioned individuals seeking to protect the Member’s reputation. It was unauthorized and should not have occurred,” Pierre-Louis added. “The image is the Congresswoman’s official portrait, and she has no intention of altering or editing it now or in the future.”
In November, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick on charges related to alleged misuse of federal disaster funds.
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According to The Miami New Times, which cited the indictment, Cherfilus-McCormick allegedly used a $109,000 cashier’s check to buy a 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring in New York City in September 2021.
The outlet said it consulted a Tiffany & Co. client advisor, who identified the piece based on a photo as two rings: “This appears to be the Tiffany Fancy Yellow Single Row Soleste, and the Victoria Band ring,” the advisor told The Miami New Times.
CBS 12 reported that the indictment accuses Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother of misappropriating $5 million in FEMA relief funds intended for COVID-19 response. The indictment alleges the money—described as an overpayment to their family-owned company in 2021—was moved through multiple accounts and then directed toward her 2022 congressional campaign and personal spending, including the ring, according to CBS 12 and The Miami New Times.
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Cherfilus-McCormick faces charges including theft of government funds, false tax statements, conspiracy and additional counts, CBS 12 reported, citing court records.
She faces 15 federal counts in total and could receive a sentence of up to 53 years in prison if convicted, according to CBS 12.
CBS 12 reported that Cherfilus-McCormick surrendered to authorities in Miami on Nov. 25, was released on bond, and has pleaded not guilty. She is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Monday, Dec. 29.
