Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who was charged with stealing $5 million in federal funds, resigned on Tuesday about 20 minutes before the House ethics committee was set to consider a recommendation for her expulsion from Congress. 

The ethics panel found Ms Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 violations related to allegations she stole federal relief funds and used some of the money to fund her political campaign. 

Her criminal trial is set to begin in February 2027, and she had complained that it was a “dangerous path” for the ethics panel to weigh her expulsion before her day in court.

She, however, pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing, while describing the charge as a witch hunt. 

In a post on X, Ms Cherfilus-McCormick wrote, “I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt. I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished.”

“Rather than play these political games, I choose to step away so that I can devote my time to fighting for my neighbours in Florida’s 20th district. I hereby resign from the 119th Congress, effective immediately,” she added.

Ms Cherfilus-McCormick is not the first Congress member to resign before a potential vote to expel a lawmaker. Two other House members, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned ahead of potential votes to expel them from Congress over allegations of sexual misconduct.