AG Pam Bondi Arrests Top Democrat In Major Morning BUST
In a breaking development, State Representative Chris Flanagan was taken into custody early Friday, as detailed in a statement by U.S. Attorney Leah Foley. Flanagan faces allegations of misappropriating approximately "$36,000 from a previous job" to settle personal credit card bills, buy clothing, and funnel money into his campaign. The incident has prompted a strong backlash, with Democratic Governor Maura Healey and other officials urging him to step down.
This marks the second Democratic senator this week to face federal charges. Just a day earlier, "prominent progressive" and Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson admitted guilt in a bribery scheme designed to resolve her own debts. Anderson, the first former undocumented immigrant to serve on the municipal council, agreed to resign as part of her plea.
While serving as the executive of the Cape Cod Home Builders and Remodelers Association, the 37-year-old Flanagan allegedly siphoned off funds over "14 months", according to prosecutors. He reportedly confessed and pledged to return the stolen money once the shortfall was discovered. The case was later picked up by Foley, a prosecutor appointed during the Trump era, after Flanagan resigned and scrutiny increased around a local Democratic district attorney.
Court documents reveal that "$10,000 of the embezzled money" was funneled into Flanagan's "2023 reelection campaign", a heated race for a traditionally Republican-held seat. Additionally, he was fined "$15,000" for creating a deceptive organization titled “Conservatives for Chris Flanagan” and for using a fake donor identity, “Jeanne Louise,” to bypass campaign finance limits during an earlier election.
Reports from the Boston Globe also allege that Flanagan used funds for campaign t-shirts, to pay off personal debts, and for items like an air conditioner, an electric dryer, kids’ toys, and men’s clothing including ties and shirts.
Notably, prosecutors say Flanagan also spent some of the funds on “personal psychic services” in "July 2022." Foley condemned the behavior in a follow-up statement, calling it an “appalling breach of public trust.”
Investigators further assert that Flanagan manipulated financial reports filed with state campaign regulators, attempting to pass off the $10,000 received from a trade association as a valid reimbursement. The indictment also notes a “practice of allowing Flanagan to withdraw large sums of money for the purpose of expense reimbursement.”
On February 23rd, he categorized the funds as a “candidate loan” and deposited them into his account. Prosecutors argue that this move was only possible by diverting company funds, since bank records show he had just "$42.28" in his personal account the month before.
In addition to earning nearly "$97,000 annually as a state representative," Flanagan was collecting another "$81,600" per year from his role with the Cape Cod Remodelers Association.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Flanagan's financial troubles began in "fall of 2021," when he started falling behind on mortgage payments, incurred overdraft charges, and built up credit card debt. Authorities allege the thefts began around November of that year.
“If he refuses to [resign], then Speaker [Ron] Mariano should immediately authorize and direct the House Ethics Committee to begin proceedings in this matter,” declared House Minority Leader Brad Jones, a Republican.