Boston City Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson arrested – NBC Boston

Boston City Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested on federal public corruption charges, officials said Friday.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI confirmed the arrest of a Boston city councilman and said they would provide more details at a news conference at 9:30 a.m. ET. Court documents confirm the arrest of Fernandes Anderson.

According to the now released indictment, Fernandes Anderson faces six counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud related to the use of federal funds through her role on the City Council.

Federal investigators allege that Fernandes Anderson hired a relative of her staff in late 2022, even though hiring immediate family members is prohibited by law. The couple made a deal that Fernandes Anderson would give the employee a bonus and they would then pay part of that bonus back to Fernandes Anderson as a kickback.

According to the indictment, Fernandes Anderson lied at the time of hiring that he was related to the employee and later failed to disclose the kickback agreement, claiming that the large bonus awarded to the employee was to reward him for previous volunteer work to pay for work.

The bonus given was $13,000, investigators say, significantly more than the bonus given to any other employee. Investigators believe the employee then paid Fernandes Anderson $7,000 in cash and exchanged it in a restroom at City Hall.

This is not the first time Fernandes Anderson has come under scrutiny for hiring family members. In 2023, she admitted an ethics violation for employing her sister and son as employees and paid a fine for that offense.

The City of Boston receives federal grants for some of its operations. In 2023 it was over $10,000.

Read the indictment

Sources told NBC10 Boston on Tuesday that federal authorities were searching for Fernandes Anderson at Boston City Hall this fall.

In a statement on Wednesday, Fernandes Anderson said she could not comment.

“To my people, voters of District 7: Know that I am always transparent with you and always available. My job is to show up and fight for you, and that’s exactly what I will continue to do – people’s work,” the city councilor said. “Unfortunately, I cannot comment on this matter at this time. I’ll be sure to share more with you as soon as I can.”

Fernandes Anderson’s office said the councilor is deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of prayers, support and good wishes she has received from her community since the news broke.

“I am extremely grateful for your continued trust and confidence in me. Thank you,” Fernandes Anderson added. “I love you and will continue to work hard for you.”

NBC10 Boston political reporter Matt Prichard has reported that several council members appeared to be aware of the situation and were waiting for the news to come out.

Sources say a federal subpoena has been served on a Boston city councilman, but details are unclear.

When asked about the situation earlier this week, Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune issued the following statement:

“It is important to respect the legal process. It would be premature to draw any conclusions now. As President of the Boston City Council and as an attorney, I want to emphasize that any action that undermines the law must be taken urgently.” In all seriousness, the Council’s work will continue without interruption and we will continue to focus on the issues that matter residents are most important, including conducting themselves with integrity as a board. I will refrain from further comment at this time and urge everyone to avoid speculation and respect due process.”

Fernandes Anderson was first elected to the Boston City Council in November 2021, the first African immigrant and Muslim-American to serve on the body. She represents District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and part of the South End.