After a grueling three-year ordeal involving a disputed insurance claim, criminal fraud allegations and what she describes as political targeting, all charges have been dismissed against congressional staffer Sherry McCormick. The case, fully closed on June 10, 2025, centered on damage to her late mother’s BMW and a contested claim involving Alfa Insurance.
McCormick, who previously served as a special advocate case worker for U.S. Representative Barry Moore, was charged in connection with an insurance dispute involving two incidents tied to her late mother’s vehicle: a deer collision in August 2021 and an engine failure in December 2021.
The deer-related damage was handled and paid for by Progressive Insurance in September 2021. But the December engine failure—later confirmed by BMW experts in January 2022 as the result of a faulty coolant line—triggered a legal firestorm when Alfa, which took over the policy in October 2021, accused the McCormicks of insurance fraud.
At the time, COVID-related supply chain issues had caused significant repair delays. McCormick had been informed it would take four to six months to secure certified BMW parts. Maintenance records from Techway Automotive in Dothan, submitted to both Alfa and the Alabama Department of Insurance, indicated the car showed no issues between the two incidents. Nonetheless, Alfa filed a fraud complaint with the state on Jan. 24, 2022, ignoring the BMW manufacturer’s confirmation of a known defect and the fact that McCormick’s mother, Martha—the sole policyholder and vehicle owner—was suffering from advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The car was towed to Fort Walton Beach BMW and was never seen again by either Martha or Sherry McCormick, despite repeated requests. Martha passed away in April 2022.
Even though the vehicle title and insurance policy never listed Sherry McCormick’s name, the state of Alabama aggressively pursued criminal charges against her.
“I am grateful to God that this ordeal is finally over. My faith sustained me. What man intended for evil, God used for good,” McCormick said in a statement following the dismissal. “ALFA and the State of Alabama tried to silence me, but I stood firm. I was a General for Team Moore, fighting every day for Alabama’s 2nd District. I did my very best to work hard and take care of my sick mother, much like many others who must care for elderly parents.”
The prosecution continued even though McCormick reimbursed Progressive $3,500 for the deer collision—three months prior to Alfa’s complaint being filed.
McCormick said she believes she was targeted due to her public role and prior political actions. “Twelve years ago, I stood up against powerful people in this state, and my life has never been the same. I have endured painfully the weaponization of our legal system, and I know I am not alone. Isaiah 43 tells us that it is through the furnace of affliction that we are chosen, not while in the palace,” she said. “This malicious prosecution for three solid years took an extreme toll on my life, mentally and financially. It cost me my job and my ability to work. It didn’t just affect me, but especially the veterans, families, and widows I advocated for daily.”
“God told me to Face and Stand. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do; it wounded my heart in ways I would never wish upon anyone. But through it all, God was with me. There’s nothing more I need to say. The people here are very smart. They know what really happened. I refuse to give any more time or power to the hardships of these past three years,” she said. “I know God is doing a new thing. I praise Him for both the good and the bad, because it has made me stronger than I ever knew. And I know my mother is in Heaven smiling down on me, proud that I never gave in to the extreme pressure and remained obedient to God.”
McCormick is now calling on Alabama lawmakers to enact reforms that would prevent similar prosecutions targeting congressional staff, family members and whistleblowers.
