AG Bondi’s DOJ Announces Arrest of Top Democrat

Massachusetts State Representative Chris Flanagan has been arrested on embezzlement charges, marking the second time this week that a Democratic legislator from the state has found themselves embroiled in criminal activity.

A 37-year-old Democrat, Flanagan, was taken into custody on Friday morning following allegations of misappropriating $36,000 from his former employer to finance his campaign, buy personal items, and settle credit card debt. The charges were revealed by the office of U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, which issued a press release confirming the arrest. Following the arrest, calls for Flanagan’s immediate resignation were made by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and other state officials.

Following the resignation of Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, another Democratic representative from Massachusetts, Flanagan was arrested. After acknowledging that he had planned a bribe to settle a personal debt, Anderson resigned.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Flanagan, who previously served as executive officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association on Cape Cod, misappropriated the funds over 14 months. The funds were initially meant for the organization’s use, but Flanagan allegedly diverted $10,000 to support his reelection campaign in 2023.

The theft was uncovered after an internal audit, and Flanagan admitted to the crime, pledging to repay the stolen amount. However, a local Democratic district attorney’s investigation led to the involvement of the U.S. Attorney’s office under the Trump administration.

Flanagan’s history of campaign finance violations adds another layer of controversy. In a previous campaign, he faced a $15,000 fine for establishing a fake outside group, Conservatives for Chris Flanagan, and unlawfully raised funds through a supporter’s pseudonym, “Jeanne Louise,” to surpass legal contribution limits.

The indictment further claims that Flanagan used the misappropriated funds to cover personal expenses, including $537 for campaign t-shirts, credit card bills, and even a new air conditioner. Additionally, he spent funds on other non-campaign-related items such as an electric dryer, dress shirts, and children’s toys. Shockingly, it was revealed that part of the stolen money went toward “personal psychic services” in July 2022, a move that U.S. Attorney Foley described as a “breach of public trust.”

The investigation also uncovered that Flanagan forged expense reports submitted to state campaign watchdogs, falsely claiming that the $10,000 received from a trade group was a valid reimbursement. Authorities noted that Flanagan deposited the funds into his account on February 23rd, listing it as a “candidate loan,” despite his personal bank account showing a balance of just $42.28 one month earlier.

Flanagan, who earns more than $97,000 per year as a state legislator, was also drawing an additional $81,600 annually from his role with the Remodelers Association on Cape Cod. However, authorities allege that his financial troubles began in 2021, when he faced mounting credit card debt, missed mortgage payments, and accumulated bank overdraft fees.

By November of that year, it is claimed by authorities that he began embezzling funds from his employer. Republican House Minority Leader Brad Jones has called for Flanagan’s resignation, suggesting that if he declines to resign, Speaker Ron Mariano should promptly instruct the House Ethics Committee to initiate proceedings in the case.

The post AG Bondi’s DOJ Announces Arrest of Top Democrat appeared first on Boveed.