Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson faces serious legal trouble after being arrested on federal charges related to misuse of taxpayer funds.
Fernandes Anderson, who represents Roxbury’s District 7, has been indicted on five counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud and one count of theft involving federal funds.
These charges stem from allegations that she hired a family member in violation of city rules and orchestrated a kickback scheme, redirecting a portion of the family member’s bonus pay for personal use.
Allegations of Fraud
Prosecutors allege that in 2022, Fernandes Anderson awarded a $13,000 bonus to a staff member who was a relative.
According to the indictment, she arranged to receive $7,000 of that bonus in cash during a meeting in a Boston City Hall bathroom.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy described the actions as a blatant misuse of public funds, stressing that the alleged theft occurred in the very building where Fernandes Anderson serves the public.
If convicted, Fernandes Anderson faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Court Appearance and Plea
Appearing in court on Friday, Fernandes Anderson pleaded not guilty to all charges.
She was granted conditional release, with restrictions that include surrendering her passport and firearms and avoiding contact with potential witnesses or victims.
Judge Donald L. Cabell appointed her a public defender and warned against any conduct that could obstruct justice.
Calls for Resignation
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu called for Fernandes Anderson’s immediate resignation, stating that the charges undermine public trust and compromise her ability to serve effectively.
“Councilor Fernandes Anderson has the right to a fair legal process,” Wu said. “But the serious nature of these charges will prevent her from effectively serving the city.”
City Councilor Ed Flynn echoed concerns about the allegations, calling them troubling while underscoring the importance of due process.
Flynn highlighted recent ethical violations within the City Council, emphasizing the need for elected officials to uphold public trust.
A History of Controversy
Fernandes Anderson has faced scrutiny before. Last year, she admitted to an ethics violation for hiring family members in her office and agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. This included appointing her son as an office manager with a $70,000 annual salary.
Prosecutors indicated that the councilor’s financial difficulties, compounded by the ethics fine, contributed to her alleged decision to engage in fraud.
Federal Authorities React
Boston FBI special agent Steve Kelleher likened the case to past corruption scandals in the city, including charges brought against former Councilor Chuck Turner more than 15 years ago.
“It’s like déjà vu all over again,” Kelleher said.
IRS criminal investigations agent Jonathan Wlodyka stated that the real victims are taxpayers whose funds were diverted for personal enrichment.
Fernandes Anderson, who was elected in 2021, now faces growing pressure to step down as legal proceedings unfold.
