Florida Politician’s Ring Edited Out of Photo After She Allegedly Stole Millions

After a Florida congresswoman shared a portrait of herself in a holiday greeting, social media users were quick to notice that a ring — which was allegedly paid for using funds stolen from relief funds — had been edited out.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat who represents Florida’s 20th congressional district, shared the message on X on Friday, Dec. 25, posting a portrait of herself and a message that read: “From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season. 🎄.”

In response, X users pointed out that a previously publicized version of the image showed a ring on one of the congresswoman’s fingers. “What happened to your ring?” and “Where is the ring you bought with stolen funds?” were some of the responses sent to Cherfilus-McCormick.

Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted last month on charges that she stole millions in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster-relief funds, according to CBS 12 and The Miami New Times. Among the items allegedly purchased was the $100,000 jewelry piece.

Cherfilus-McCormick’s chief of staff, Naomie Pierre-Louis, told CBS 12 in a statement after the new photo was released, “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,” she continued. “The image is the Congresswoman’s official portrait, and she has no intention of altering or editing it now or in the future.”

Pierre-Louis did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, Dec. 27.

In November, a federal grand jury indicted Cherfilus-McCormick on charges that she stole federal disaster money.

The politician allegedly used a $109,000 cashier’s check to purchase the 3.14-carat yellow diamond ring in New York City in September 2021, according to The Miami New Times, which cited the indictment.

The outlet also consulted with a Tiffany & Co. client advisor, who identified the sparkler as two of the luxury jeweler’s rings based on a photo. “This appears to be the Tiffany Fancy Yellow Single Row Soleste, and the Victoria Band ring,” the advisor told The Miami New Times.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The federal indictment accuses Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother of misappropriating $5 million in FEMA relief funds that were meant for COVID-19 response, according to CBS 12.

The indictment alleges that the funds — which were accidentally overpaid to their family-owned company in 2021 — were laundered through several accounts and then funneled toward her 2022 congressional campaign, as well as personal spending, including the ring, per CBS 12 and The Miami New Times.

Cherfilus-McCormick is charged with theft of government funds, false tax statements, conspiracy and more, CBS 12 reported, citing court records.

She is facing 15 federal counts in total and, if convicted, could face up to 53 years behind bars, according to the outlet.

The congresswoman, who surrendered to authorities in Miami on Nov. 25 and was subsequently released on bond, has pleaded not guilty, per CBS 12.

She is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Monday, Dec. 29.