Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested on federal public corruption charges on Friday morning, accused of receiving about $7,000 through a kickback scheme involving a family member who she hired as part of her staff. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Fernandes Anderson was indicted on five counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud and one count of aiding and abetting theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Prosecutors allege that she proposed the kickback scheme, where she would give a large bonus to the family member with an agreement that $7,000 would be handed back to her. This behavior eroded the trust of the public in her integrity as an elected official.
Fernandes Anderson, who represents District 7, consisting of Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and part of the South End, was taken into custody and pleaded “not guilty” in federal court. The indictment details how she instructed the family member to make a series of cash withdrawals after receiving a bonus check from the city. The handoff of $7,000 cash to Fernandes Anderson took place in City Hall, leading to her arrest. An investigation is ongoing, and no other individuals have been charged so far.
This arrest follows previous violations found by the State Ethics Commission related to her hiring of family members to paid positions on her staff. Fernandes Anderson was ordered to terminate their employment and pay a civil penalty. In addition, the Office of Campaign and Political Finance found violations of campaign finance laws, requiring her to refund excess contributions and appoint a new treasurer for her committee. The OCPF warned that further noncompliance may result in referral to the Attorney General.
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