Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson detained on federal public corruption charges – Boston 25 News

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested on federal public corruption charges for allegedly funneling taxpayer money into her own pocket. The indictment details a kickback scheme where she hired a relative to her staff and paid them a bonus with the condition that part of it would be returned to her. She accepted a cash kickback in a meeting at Boston City Hall and was facing financial difficulties at the time, including missing rent and car payments and accrued bank overdraft fees. Fernandes Anderson, who represents Roxbury, Dorchester, and part of the South End, pleaded not guilty to five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
This is not the first time Fernandes Anderson has faced controversy. In 2023, she agreed to pay a civil penalty for violating conflict of interest laws by hiring her sister and son to paid positions on her city council staff. Despite winning reelection in November 2023, her current term runs through January 2026. There are calls for her resignation from Boston Mayor Wu and others, but it is unclear if she will retain her position on the City Council. Fernandes Anderson has been assigned a public defender following her arraignment. The story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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