Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded not guilty to federal charges of arranging a kickback scheme involving a family member she hired in her taxpayer-funded office. She was accused of paying a substantial bonus to the family member to secretly return a portion of the funds to her. The indictment stated that the family member handed off $7,000 cash to Fernandes Anderson in a City Hall bathroom.
Fernandes Anderson spoke during her initial appearance to indicate her plea and was released without bail. Federal prosecutors stated that she enriched herself while pretending her motivations were civic-minded. The scheme unfolded as Fernandes Anderson faced financial difficulties in early 2023 and was under scrutiny for ethics violations involving hiring her sister and son. The family members were later fired amid the investigation.
The indictment alleged that Fernandes Anderson awarded the family member a $13,000 bonus, which was more than double the bonuses paid to the rest of her staff combined. This bonus was described as a bribe to ensure the family member’s cooperation with the kickback scheme. The family member then arranged to meet Fernandes Anderson in a City Hall bathroom to hand her $7,000 in cash.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and some of Fernandes Anderson’s council colleagues called for her resignation following the accusations. Federal prosecutors declined to say if charges against others involved in the scheme could follow. Fernandes Anderson maintained her innocence and her commitment to fighting for the people’s work.
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