A Florida Rep. is under fire after she shared an edited version of a photo of herself minus an expensive ring that was allegedly paid for with fraudulent funds. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democratic representative for Florida’s 20th congressional district, shared a holiday greeting on X on Thursday, wishing her constituents a “joyful, safe holiday season,” along with an edited image of herself. Users on the platform were quick to point out that a ring the congresswoman wore in the original photo was notably absent. Last month, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, on charges that she stole millions in funds allocated for FEMA. Of the disaster relief money she allegedly stole, she spent $109,000 on a 3.14-carat diamond ring from a New York City jewelry store in 2021, according to the Miami New Times. The congresswoman’s chief of staff, Naomie Pierre-Louis, told CBS 12 in a statement that the edited photo was “not directed, approved or authorized” by Cherfilus-McCormick. “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 said. “The image is the Congresswoman’s official portrait, and she has no intention of altering or editing it now or in the future.”
From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season. 🎄#SCM#FL20pic.twitter.com/rO7VVjCggA
— Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (@CongresswomanSC) December 25, 2025
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