Did indicted Miramar congresswoman try to hide expensive ring in holiday photo?
Miramar U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who was indicted in November on allegations she stole $5 million in FEMA funds, wished followers a Merry Christmas using her official congressional portrait posted on her website.
But over the weekend, People magazine reported that Internet users noticed something unusual: the photo appeared to have been digitally altered to obscure the apparently expensive ring on her left hand — one she had previously displayed prominently.
The scrutiny stems from Cherfilus-McCormick’s federal indictment, which cites the purchase of a 3 carat, yellow diamond ring valued at over $100,000 from a New York jeweler as one of the alleged uses of misappropriated disaster-relief funds.
Federal prosecutors have charged the 46-year-old lawmaker with 15 counts, alleging she diverted millions in FEMA money and used some of it to finance her successful congressional campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat who does not represent Miramar but lives and ran several health care companies from the city, has maintained her innocence.
According to People, users on X posted comments such as, “What happened to your ring?” and “Did Santa seize it?”
Cherfilus-McCormick’s office told the magazine the decision to edit the photo was made at the staff level and was not authorized by the congresswoman.
The office also said the portrait will not be edited again.
Coincidentally, Cherfilus-McCormick appeared briefly in Miami federal court on Monday, Dec. 29, where she requested additional time to assemble her legal team. A federal magistrate granted the request, moving her arraignment to Jan. 20.
This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM.
