Core Points - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been charged with stealing $5 million in Covid-19 disaster funds, which were allegedly funneled into her 2021 congressional campaign [1][2] - If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces a potential sentence of up to 53 years in prison, although actual sentences may be lower due to judicial discretion [2] - The funds were obtained through an overpayment from FEMA related to a Covid vaccination staffing contract for the family health-care company where Cherfilus-McCormick worked [3] - Cherfilus-McCormick and her associates are accused of a "straw donor" scheme, where funds were funneled to friends and relatives who then donated back to her campaign [3] - The indictment also includes charges against Cherfilus-McCormick and her tax preparer for conspiring to file a false tax return, inflating deductions and charitable contributions [4]