Latest news with #ChristopherFlanagan
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat Massachusetts lawmaker arrested for fraud, used stolen funds to purchase 'psychic services': feds
A Democratic lawmaker in Massachusetts was arrested and charged after he allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars from a local trade association to fund both personal and political expenses. Massachusetts state Rep. Christopher Flanagan, 37, was indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records on Friday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Flanagan served as the executive officer of the Home Builders Association in Cape Cod and received a salary and benefits ranging from $65,800 to $81,600 from 2019 to 2024, when he was working there. Flanagan also received $97,546 and $100,945 in 2023 and 2024, from his position as a legislator. Beginning around October 2021, Flanagan was facing financial trouble and stole $36,000 in Home Builders Association funds through bank wire transfers, according to the DOJ. Connecticut House Of Horrors Stepmom Denies Child Abuse Accusations That Came As 'Extreme Shock': Attorney From Nov. 18, 2021 and Jan. 28, 2023, Flanagan wired anywhere from $1,500 and $10,000 on several separate occasions. Read On The Fox News App The Justice Department said Flanagan used the funds to pay mortgage bills, pay down debt, and even used it to pay for personal psychic services. In an expense report, the DOJ said Flanagan claimed to have spent $159.36 on "technology services" at Best Buy and $537.26 on "Office Supplies" at 4Imprint, but records showed the money was used to buy a Bluetooth speaker and T-shirts for his political campaign. Judge Dismisses Charges In Alleged Campus Vigilante 'Catch A Predator' Sting Targeting Army Soldier Another expense report shows $3,784.84 was spent on office supplies. The DOJ, however, said that $2,118.10 was used for personal expenses at Best Buy, Macy's and Target. Federal authorities also alleged that Flanagan obstructed an investigation by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance when he attributed the source of a campaign mailer to "Jeanne Louise," a false persona that he allegedly created. Flanagan faces up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge and up to 20 years for the falsification of records charge. READ THE INDICTMENT – App Users, Click Here: Fox News Digital reached out to Flanagan and his attorney for article source: Democrat Massachusetts lawmaker arrested for fraud, used stolen funds to purchase 'psychic services': feds
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Massachusetts state lawmaker charged with defrauding trade association, trying to cover it up
BOSTON (AP) — A Democratic state lawmaker in Massachusetts was arrested and charged Friday with defrauding a trade association of tens of thousands of dollars and then falsifying records to cover up the scheme. Christopher Flanagan, of Dennis, Massachusetts, was indicted Friday on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. He was due in court later Friday. Prosecutors say Flanagan stole nearly $40,000 from the Home Builders Association where he was an executive officer between 2021 and 2023. Flanagan, who alleged was having financial problems, allegedly used the funds to pay personal mortgage bills, credit card debt as well as psychic services. Flanagan is also accused of trying to cover up the fraud by accessing the association's computer system using another employees account, backdating transactions to account for the stolen money and entering false transaction codes for the withdrawals. He also told the association board that he withdrew funds to reimburse himself for expenses. When asked for proof, Flanagan allegedly provided fake expense reports. 'Today's charges against Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan reveal an appalling breach of public trust," U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. 'He allegedly stole money and then went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up, going so far as fabricating fake personas to mislead those who questioned his conduct. This alleged scheme was calculated on every level.' Flanagan could not be reached for comment but his attorney, Greg Henning, said he expected his client to enter a not guilty plea Friday in federal court. Several of the state's top political leaders called for Flanagan to resign. 'These are serious allegations against Representative Flanagan that threaten to undermine the important work of the Legislature and cast doubt on his ability to faithfully serve his constituents," Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. "He should resign.' House Speaker Ronald Mariano called the allegations 'extraordinarily concerning, and undermine public trust in the Legislature ... The House will continue to monitor the legal process as it plays out, and will take the appropriate steps if necessary to ensure accountability."
Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Massachusetts state lawmaker charged with defrauding trade association, trying to cover it up
BOSTON (AP) — A Democratic state lawmaker in Massachusetts was arrested and charged Friday with defrauding a trade association of tens of thousands of dollars and then falsifying records to cover up the scheme. Christopher Flanagan, of Dennis, Massachusetts, was indicted Friday on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. He was due in court later Friday. Prosecutors say Flanagan stole nearly $40,000 from the Home Builders Association where he was an executive officer between 2021 and 2023. Flanagan, who alleged was having financial problems, allegedly used the funds to pay personal mortgage bills, credit card debt as well as psychic services. Flanagan is also accused of trying to cover up the fraud by accessing the association's computer system using another employees account, backdating transactions to account for the stolen money and entering false transaction codes for the withdrawals. He also told the association board that he withdrew funds to reimburse himself for expenses. When asked for proof, Flanagan allegedly provided fake expense reports. 'Today's charges against Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan reveal an appalling breach of public trust,' U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. 'He allegedly stole money and then went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up, going so far as fabricating fake personas to mislead those who questioned his conduct. This alleged scheme was calculated on every level.' Flanagan could not be reached for comment but his attorney, Greg Henning, said he expected his client to enter a not guilty plea Friday in federal court. Several of the state's top political leaders called for Flanagan to resign. 'These are serious allegations against Representative Flanagan that threaten to undermine the important work of the Legislature and cast doubt on his ability to faithfully serve his constituents,' Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. 'He should resign.' House Speaker Ronald Mariano called the allegations 'extraordinarily concerning, and undermine public trust in the Legislature ... The House will continue to monitor the legal process as it plays out, and will take the appropriate steps if necessary to ensure accountability.'
Fox News
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Democrat Massachusetts lawmaker arrested for fraud, used stolen funds to purchase 'psychic services': feds
A Democratic lawmaker in Massachusetts was arrested and charged after he allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars from a local trade association to fund both personal and political expenses. Massachusetts state Rep. Christopher Flanagan, 37, was indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records on Friday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Flanagan served as the executive officer of the Home Builders Association in Cape Cod and received a salary and benefits ranging from $65,800 to $81,600 from 2019 to 2024, when he was working there. Flanagan also received $97,546 and $100,945 in 2023 and 2024, from his position as a legislator. Beginning around October 2021, Flanagan was facing financial trouble and stole $36,000 in Home Builders Association funds through bank wire transfers, according to the DOJ. From Nov. 18, 2021 and Jan. 28, 2023, Flanagan wired anywhere from $1,500 and $10,000 on several separate occasions. The Justice Department said Flanagan used the funds to pay mortgage bills, pay down debt, and even used it to pay for personal psychic services. In an expense report, the DOJ said Flanagan claimed to have spent $159.36 on "technology services" at Best Buy and $537.26 on "Office Supplies" at 4Imprint, but records showed the money was used to buy a Bluetooth speaker and T-shirts for his political campaign. Another expense report shows $3,784.84 was spent on office supplies. The DOJ, however, said that $2,118.10 was used for personal expenses at Best Buy, Macy's and Target. Federal authorities also alleged that Flanagan obstructed an investigation by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance when he attributed the source of a campaign mailer to "Jeanne Louise," a false persona that he allegedly created. Flanagan faces up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge and up to 20 years for the falsification of records charge. READ THE INDICTMENT – APP USERS, CLICK HERE: Fox News Digital reached out to Flanagan and his attorney for comment.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dennis Rep. Flanagan arrested, indicted on fed fraud charges
BOSTON (SHNS) – Rep. Christopher Flanagan of Dennis was arrested Friday morning after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he allegedly orchestrated a multi-pronged scheme to defraud a local trade association of tens of thousands of dollars to be used to fund personal and political expenses, then falsifying records to conceal that alleged conduct. The Democrat is expected in federal court in Boston at 2:30 p.m. Friday, where the U.S. attorney's office said he will face five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. The charges stem from his time working as executive officer of the the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, from early 2019 to mid-2024. 'Today's charges against Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan reveal an appalling breach of public trust. According to the indictment, Mr. Flanagan defrauded the very organization he was supposed to serve – allegedly funneling tens of thousands of dollars into his own pockets to pay off personal bills, buy luxury items and bankroll his political campaign. He allegedly stole money and then went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up, going so far as fabricating fake personas to mislead those who questioned his conduct. This alleged scheme was calculated on every level,' U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley said. 'No one is entitled to power by way of fraud, and the people of Massachusetts deserve better.' An attorney for Flanagan could not immediately provide comment Friday morning. State regulators last spring concluded that Flanagan violated campaign finance law and then lied about it to officials. As a result, the Flanagan campaign purged $10,580 in excess contributions and paid a $6,000 penalty. Flanagan also agreed to pay a personal penalty of $9,000. In January, Barnstable police announced they received a complaint in October alleging 'potential criminal activity' involving Flanagan and the 'Chris Flanagan for State Representative for the 1st Barnstable District' campaign. The department said the office of the U.S. attorney for Massachusetts 'adopted the investigation' in December. When word of the federal investigation became public in January, the Massachusetts Republican Party called on Flanagan to resign from the House, or for House Democrats to expel him. Flanagan responded by dinging the MassGOP for 'political mudslinging.' Flanagan cruised to reelection in November, winning 56% of the vote against Republican challenger Gerald Joseph O'Connell, who earned 43%. House Speaker Ronald Mariano's office did not immediately respond to a request for reaction from the speaker. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
