Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested on federal charges for allegedly participating in a kickback scheme involving city funds. She is accused of hiring a family member against city rules and then taking a portion of that family member’s bonus pay for herself. The indictment states that Fernandes Anderson provided her relative with a $13,000 bonus in exchange for receiving some of the money back. In June of last year, she allegedly met with the family member in a City Hall bathroom where she was given $7,000 in cash.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, Joshua Levy, emphasized the importance of integrity in public service and criticized individuals who misuse taxpayer money for personal gain. Jonathan Wlodyka, from the IRS criminal investigations office, highlighted the impact of financial crimes on taxpayers and the community at large.
Fernandes Anderson, who represents District 7 in Roxbury, was elected to the city council in 2021. This is not the first ethics violation she has faced, as she previously admitted to hiring family members for roles in her office and paying a fine. As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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