Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has admitted to public corruption charges in a federal court. The charges stem from a $7,000 kickback she received from a staff member's city-funded bonus. At 46, Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft related to a program receiving federal funds.
Judge Indira Talwani has set the sentencing date for July 29, 2025. Following her indictment in December 2024, the government recommended a sentence of one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and restitution totaling $13,000.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley stated that "Councilor Fernandes Anderson abused her position of trust for personal gain," adding that she "turned a public checkbook into her own private slush fund." Foley emphasized that "the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring elected officials are held accountable."
James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, remarked on the situation: “Tania Fernandes Anderson used the city of Boston... She wielded her official powers for her own financial gain.” He highlighted that such actions undermine public faith in government.
Thomas Demeo from IRS Criminal Investigation noted that “The guilty plea... demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to identifying... all instances of public corruption.” He stressed that elected officials are expected to uphold higher standards.
Fernandes Anderson represents Boston’s District 7 and was first elected in November 2021. In 2022, she hired family members as salaried employees against legal restrictions. By August 2022, their employment was terminated following these violations.
In May 2023, while facing financial difficulties including an outstanding ethics penalty, Fernandes Anderson arranged for Staff Member A to receive extra pay with an understanding they would return part of it. This led to a series of cash withdrawals resulting in $7,000 being handed over to her at Boston City Hall.
The plea agreement also revealed misuse of campaign funds and filing fraudulent tax returns for multiple years. The charge of wire fraud could lead up to 20 years imprisonment while theft concerning programs receiving federal funds carries up to a decade-long sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao are prosecuting this case as announced by U.S. Attorney Foley along with FBI Acting SAC Crowley and IRS Acting SAC Demeo.
