Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson to Plead Guilty in Corruption Case
BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, 46, is slated to plead guilty to federal corruption charges linked to a kickback scheme that involved her obtaining substantial cash from a staff member. Anderson, who represents District 7—including Roxbury, Dorchester, the Fenway, and part of the South End—agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft related to a federally funded program. The Court has not yet scheduled a plea hearing.
Indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024, Anderson faces a recommended sentence of one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and $13,000 in restitution, as stated in her plea agreement.
Allegations indicate that in 2022, Anderson hired two family members for her council staff, violating prohibition against immediate family employment. After being informed by the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission about a potential $5,000 civil penalty, Anderson reportedly faced financial difficulties. In May 2023, she promised a substantial bonus to one relative, known as Staff Member A, under the condition that a portion would be returned to her.
She authorized a $13,000 bonus for Staff Member A, significantly larger than other staff bonuses, without disclosing the kickback agreement. Staff Member A subsequently processed cash withdrawals totaling $7,000, which was given to Anderson in a bathroom at Boston City Hall.
Furthermore, Anderson is accused of filing fraudulent federal tax returns for the years 2021 to 2023, concealing income and campaign funds used for personal gain. The charges carry severe penalties; wire fraud can result in up to 20 years in prison, while the theft charge could lead to a decade behind bars.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and other federal officials announced the developments, emphasizing that the allegations are unproven until established in court.
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