BOSTON, Mass. – A federal grand jury on Friday indicted Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson on multiple counts of wire fraud and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and aiding and abetting.
The charges allege she misappropriated public funds and engaged in a fraudulent bonus kickback scheme, including an exchange of cash in a City Hall bathroom.
READ: ICE In Massachusetts Deport Repeat Immigration Offender To Honduras For 7th Time
Fernandes Anderson, who represents Boston’s District 7, faces the following charges:
- Counts 1-5: Wire fraud and aiding and abetting.
- Count 6: Theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and aiding and abetting.
- Forfeiture Allegation: Seeks forfeiture of property tied to proceeds from the alleged crimes.
According to the indictment, Fernandes Anderson orchestrated a scheme involving a staff member, identified as “Staff Member A,” who was a relative but not an immediate family member. Key elements of the alleged misconduct include:
Kickback Scheme: Fernandes Anderson awarded a $13,000 bonus to Staff Member A in May 2023 and instructed them to return a significant portion of the funds to her. She allegedly received approximately $7,000 in cash from Staff Member A after several staged withdrawals.
Deceptive Justifications: To conceal the scheme, Fernandes Anderson falsely claimed that the bonus was a reward for Staff Member A’s prior volunteer work. This explanation was shared with her staff but omitted the kickback arrangement.
City Hall Bathroom Exchange: On June 9, 2023, Fernandes Anderson allegedly arranged to meet Staff Member A in a City Hall bathroom to receive the cash. Text messages cited in the indictment show Staff Member A texting “Bathroom” to indicate readiness for the handoff, followed by Fernandes Anderson responding “Ready.” Shortly thereafter, the two met, and Staff Member A reportedly handed Fernandes Anderson $7,000 in cash.
The indictment suggests that Fernandes Anderson’s personal financial struggles, including missed rent and car payments, overdraft fees, and a $5,000 civil penalty owed to the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, motivated the alleged scheme.
Details of Financial Transactions
The indictment outlines key transactions associated with the scheme:
- Deposit of the $13,000 bonus into Staff Member A’s account on May 26, 2023.
- Subsequent cash withdrawals by Staff Member A totaling $10,000.
- The final $7,000 cash handoff in the City Hall bathroom on June 9, 2023.
Fernandes Anderson, first elected in 2021, represents District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and parts of the South End. She was re-elected in 2023, and her term runs through January 2026. The indictment alleges that her actions violated the trust placed in her as an elected official and misused federal funds intended to benefit Boston residents.
READ: Massachusetts Judge Faces Disciplinary Action For Aiding Illegal Immigrant’s Escape
Boston receives substantial federal funding, including grants from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The charges highlight the misuse of these funds, which are meant to support public programs and services.
If convicted, Fernandes Anderson faces severe penalties, including prison time, significant fines, and the forfeiture of any property obtained through the alleged crimes.
The case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Fernandes Anderson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The indictment adds to scrutiny over Fernandes Anderson’s tenure, with federal prosecutors emphasizing the egregious nature of misusing public resources and her role in allegedly manipulating city funds for personal gain.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.