Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has announced that she will be pleading guilty in her federal corruption case and will be resigning from her position. The 46-year-old councilor, who represents Dorchester, Roxbury, Fenway, and parts of the South End, is facing charges of aiding and abetting wire fraud and theft involving federal funds. Prosecutors are recommending that she serve a year and one day in prison, pay $13,000 in restitution, and serve three years of probation.
Mayor Michelle Wu and City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune had both urged Fernandes Anderson to resign, citing the severity of the charges against her. Despite the calls for her resignation, Fernandes Anderson returned to work after being arrested, briefly attending a City Council meeting.
In a statement announcing her resignation, Fernandes Anderson apologized to her constituents and supporters and asked for forgiveness. She stated that resigning is the right thing to do and that she will be working on an orderly transition plan with the District 7 Advisory Council. She also requested privacy for herself and her family during this time.
The City Council’s rules state that a felony conviction can disqualify a member, and any action taken in response requires a two-thirds majority vote. Fernandes Anderson’s resignation will impact the representation of District 7 and the city as a whole, and a special election may be called to fill her seat.
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