The House Ethics Committee announced earlier this year that it had received a referral regarding Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.

The committee isn't alone in asking questions about the Democrat, as a local news outlet says that she has stonewalled inquiries about an alleged $5.8 million fraud scheme. 

Report: Congresswoman's company was overpaid by state

That claim was put forward in an op-ed published by West Palm Beach's CBS 12 News on Tuesday which asserted that it "has spent months trying to get answers" from the congresswoman.

The controversy concerns a massive overpayment which her company, Trinity Health Care Services, is said to have received from Florida taxpayers.

"According to the state, it mistakenly overpaid Trinity while Cherfilus-McCormick was the CEO," CBS 12 News explained. "Now, the state wants that money back and claims the congresswoman’s company never responded to its requests."

However, CBS 12 News complained that "[d]espite numerous attempts, Cherfilus-McCormick has not addressed the issue publicly."

CBS 12 News says it was barred from local town hall

"At a recent town hall event in Pompano Beach, her media team barred CBS 12 News from entering, stating that media was not allowed inside, even though the event was open to the public," the news outlet maintained.

What's more, it further stated that Cherfilus-McCormick's staff members "also declined to arrange an interview with the congresswoman."

CBS 12 News noted that it was later provided with a statement which read, "Our office has repeatedly confirmed that this is not an official matter that can be discussed or addressed during her official duties. Therefore, the office cannot offer you any comment."

The op-ed concluded by saying, "CBS 12 News will continue to seek answers from Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick regarding the millions of taxpayer dollars and will follow the ongoing ethics investigation in Washington."

Political observer foresees problems in Cherfilus-McCormick's electoral future

Meanwhile, political observer Ryan Nichol told CBS 12 News in January that the allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick do not bode well for her electoral future.

"She spent a lot of money and there were questions, at the time, as to how did she get all of this money, where did all of this come from?" Nichol asked before adding, "You can guarantee someone is going to challenge her."

"It’s a deep blue seat," Nichol acknowledged. "No Republican can win there, but if a strong democratic challenger came forward while she’s facing all of these questions that could certainly pose a threat to her future political career."