Tania Fernandes Anderson, a disgraced Boston City Councilor, has been arrested on federal corruption charges. The left-wing radical is proud of her status as an illegal immigrant and ironically campaigned on increased political transparency. She was charged with six counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud in connection with the use of federal money through her role on the city council.
Federal officers say the 45-year-old illegal immigrant designed a complicated plan to steal city funds. She allegedly took nearly $10,000 in federal grants. According to the Internal Revenue Service, she was arrested at her home at 6 a.m. on December 5, 2024, and a number of other agencies were involved in the operation.
U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy issued a statement on the arrest. He said, “The charges stem from an alleged kickback scheme she orchestrated to obtain several thousand dollars in taxpayer money in exchange for bribes paid. When they met in that bathroom, Ms. Fernandes Anderson put $7,000 in her pocket. All of that money was funded by the taxpayers of Boston.”
He added an additional contest to Anderson’s arrest: “When faced by financial hardship, Ms. Fernandes Anderson chose to violate her fiduciary duty and defraud the City of Boston rather than find a legal means to pay off that debt. Public service is a privilege, and all of us in public service have a duty to act with integrity and fairness in everything we do. We will hold people who abuse their power accountable.”
Steve Kelleher, an FBI agent, described her scheme as “not just creative, but criminal accounting.” He also said that this type of corruption was unacceptable. “In this Commonwealth and in this country, our elected officials work for us, not the other way around,” Kelleher said. “This is a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers in the City of Boston. Nobody is picking on Tania Fernandes Anderson and her inner circle. We believe this is a situation of her own making.”
Jonathan Wlodyka, acting special agent in charge of the IRS criminal investigation, explained the deep irony of the situation. He said, “She lied to her staff and betrayed her constituents, all while being a strong advocate for increased accountability of public officials.”
Tania Fernandes Anderson issued a statement addressing the arrest. She said, “To my people, District 7 constituents: You know that I am always transparent with you and always available. My job is to show up and fight for you, and I will continue to do just that–the people’s work. Unfortunately, I am not able to comment on this matter at this time. As soon as I can, I will be sure to share more with you.”
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Ruthzee Louijeune, the president of the Boston City Council, called for her immediate resignation. She said, “As the President of the Boston City Council, I work to ensure that the body acts with integrity and centers the needs of all residents. Public trust is paramount in our line of work, especially at the local level. Councilor Fernandes Anderson has every right to due process in a court of law.
Watch a clip of Tania Fernandes Anderson here:
She continued her remarks by explaining the severe impact. She said, “Given the severity of the allegations brought against her, and the direct impact that they have on residents’ ability to see the Boston City Council as their faithful stewards, it is in the best interest of the body that she resign. This would allow the legal process to unfold without undue disruption to the body.”
Featured image from embedded video