(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

In the summer of 2021, when the delta variant of COVID-19 was filling hospitals throughout the country, U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was conspiring to steal $5 million in federal disaster funds that were meant to slow the spread of the pandemic, prosecutors allege.

The Florida Democrat has been charged with 15 federal counts, accusing her of stealing funds that had been mistakenly overpaid to the health care company owned by her family. Within two months of receiving the funds, more than $100,000 had been spent to buy the congresswoman a 3-carat yellow diamond ring, prosecutors alleged in a recently released federal indictment.

WATCH BELOW: Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick charged with 15 federal counts Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick charged with 15 federa

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