Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested Friday morning on federal corruption charges, accused of orchestrating a kickback scheme to defraud taxpayers. Fernandes Anderson, representing Boston’s Seventh District, faces one count of theft regarding programs receiving federal funds and five counts of wire fraud, as detailed in a Department of Justice indictment unsealed the same day.
The indictment alleges that Fernandes Anderson, under financial strain after being fined $5,000 by a state ethics commission for conflict of interest violations, conspired with a relative employed in her office to execute the scheme. Prosecutors claim that Fernandes Anderson approved a $13,000 bonus for the relative, significantly exceeding bonuses given to other staff members. The relative then reportedly handed $7,000 of the bonus back to Fernandes Anderson in cash during a secretive exchange in a Boston City Hall bathroom on June 9, 2023.
“Using public office for personal gain is a crime,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, in a press release. “Her behavior, as alleged in today’s indictment, is a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers in the city of Boston who have every right to expect that the city’s funds are in good and honest hands.”
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the theft charge could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Fernandes Anderson, originally from Cape Verde, has been no stranger to controversy during her tenure. She previously faced fines from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission in 2023 for hiring her sister and son in her city council office, actions deemed violations of conflict of interest laws. Additionally, she sparked backlash in October 2023 for comments comparing Israeli soldiers to “political animals” following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has called for Fernandes Anderson to step down in light of the charges. “The serious nature of these charges undermines the public trust and will prevent her from effectively serving the city,” Wu stated.
Fernandes Anderson has not yet commented on the allegations.
