Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested Friday morning on federal public corruption charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Massachusetts and FBI Boston.
Fernandes Anderson, who represents parts of Roxbury, Dorchester, and the South End, is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
#BREAKING: #FBI Boston special agents have arrested a Boston City Councilor on federal public corruption charges. Details to follow at a 9:30 a.m. news conference at the federal courthouse in Boston.
— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) December 6, 2024
Prosecutors allege that in late 2022, Fernandes Anderson orchestrated a kickback scheme by hiring a relative and agreeing to pay them a large bonus, part of which they were required to return to her. Investigators say she accepted $7,000 in cash during a meeting in a Boston City Hall bathroom in June 2023.
At the time, Fernandes Anderson was reportedly struggling with financial issues, including overdue rent, car payments, and bank overdrafts.
Federal investigators plan to address the charges in a press conference at 9:30 a.m. at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston.
#BREAKING 🚨U.S. Attorney Levy to host press conference TODAY @ 9:30 a.m. at Boston federal courthouse to announce the arrest of a Boston City Councilor on federal public corruption charges. pic.twitter.com/CkMqRBxVkK
— U.S. Attorney Massachusetts (@DMAnews1) December 6, 2024
Fernandes Anderson, elected in 2021 and reelected in 2023, has faced prior controversies. In 2023, she paid a $5,000 Ethics Commission fine for hiring her sister and son to paid council staff positions in violation of conflict-of-interest laws.
Earlier this week, after news broke of the federal investigation, Fernandes Anderson stated, “My job is to show up and to fight for you. Unfortunately, I am not able to comment on this matter at this time. As soon as I can, I will be sure to share with you.”
It remains unclear whether Fernandes Anderson will retain her City Council seat.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
