Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson Pleads Guilty to Federal Corruption Charges
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson faced federal court on Monday, pleading guilty to corruption charges linked to a $7,000 kickback scheme. The 46-year-old councilor, visibly emotional, entered her plea for two out of six charges: wire fraud and theft concerning a federal program. The charges stemmed from a December 2024 federal indictment.
Under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office, Fernandes Anderson agreed to a recommended sentence of one year and one day in prison, along with $13,000 in restitution. In turn, prosecutors dropped four wire fraud charges against her. Initially pleading not guilty, she shifted her stance after facing mounting pressure.
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani accepted her plea but cautioned that she could impose a harsher sentence at the scheduled hearing on July 29. The nature of the charges could have led to sentences of up to 20 years for wire fraud and 10 years for theft.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley criticized Fernandes Anderson’s misuse of her position, stating her actions reflected a betrayal of public trust. Following her guilty plea, Fernandes Anderson announced her intention to resign from her $120,000 position, aiming for a late June departure after participating in the City Council’s budget approval process.
Despite calls from Mayor Michelle Wu and fellow councilors for her resignation after her indictment, Fernandes Anderson remained assertive, arguing she owed her district a budget vote. Supporters, including state officials, gathered at the courthouse, acknowledging her difficult time.
The case highlighted allegations of financial difficulties prompting her actions and intricate details of how the kickback was orchestrated within City Hall. Fernandes Anderson expressed a reflective sentiment but did not directly admit fault, leaving a complicated legacy as she prepares for sentencing.
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