Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested on public corruption charges for allegedly orchestrating a kickback scheme with a family member on her staff, stealing thousands of dollars in public funds. The second-term councilor faces six felony counts, including wire fraud and theft involving federal funds.
Prosecutors claim that Fernandes Anderson defrauded the city of Boston to alleviate financial troubles. The charges detail a scheme where she agreed to pay her staffer a bonus in exchange for receiving money back from them. The indictment alleges that in June of 2023, the pair met in a City Hall bathroom for a cash handoff, with the staffer giving Fernandes Anderson $7,000.
Mayor Michelle Wu and City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune have called for Fernandes Anderson to resign, citing the seriousness of the charges and their impact on public trust. Following the arrest, fellow council members expressed concern and called for a review of staff payment procedures to improve oversight.
This case comes amid a wave of recent scandals involving former Boston City Council members. Prosecutors indicated that the investigation is ongoing and may involve others. Fernandes Anderson had previously faced an ethics commission probe for hiring immediate family members, leading to a fine and the termination of their employment.
While the councilor’s attorney did not provide a comment, Fernandes Anderson has denied the charges and pled not guilty in court. The arrest and charges have cast a shadow over the Boston City Council, prompting calls for transparency, ethical conduct, and restoration of public trust within the governing body. The next court date for Fernandes Anderson is scheduled for January.
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