Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson to Plead Guilty in Corruption Case
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of public corruption, specifically one count of wire fraud and one count of theft involving federal funds, as detailed in court documents filed on Tuesday. Federal prosecutors are pursuing a one-year prison sentence, three years of supervised release, and restitution of $13,000.
Fernandes Anderson, who represents Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and part of the South End, issued a statement through her lawyer, announcing her resignation from the council. "I would like to apologize to my constituents, supporters, and all who have been impacted," she stated, acknowledging that her resignation is "the right thing to do."
The charges stem from an alleged kickback scheme where she is accused of directing a staffer to return a portion of a "supersize bonus" given to her. In a shocking revelation, prosecutors allege that she accepted $7,000 in cash from the staffer in a Boston City Hall bathroom in the summer of 2023. Initially pleading not guilty to six felony counts when arrested in December, she faced mounting pressure from Mayor Michelle Wu and fellow councilors to resign.
This indictment signifies a remarkable fall from grace for Fernandes Anderson, a pioneer as the first African immigrant and Muslim-American elected to the Boston City Council. Council President Ruthzee Louijeune expressed agreement with Fernandes Anderson’s decision, emphasizing the importance of integrity among elected officials.
Councilor Ed Flynn echoed the sentiment, reiterating the need for accountability and mentioning his previous proposals for an Ethics Committee to restore public trust.
The case continues to unfold, and updates are expected as it develops. The initial report was published on April 8, 2025.
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