In yet another embarrassment for Massachusetts Democrats, State Representative Chris Flanagan was arrested Friday morning on federal embezzlement charges — the second Democratic lawmaker from the state to face criminal charges in just one week.
Flanagan, 37, stands accused of stealing approximately $36,000 from his former employer, the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, where he worked as an executive officer. According to U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, the funds were misused to cover personal expenses, campaign costs, clothing, credit card debt, and — believe it or not — psychic readings.
You can’t make this stuff up.
Between July 2021 and September 2022, Flanagan allegedly funneled money out of the nonprofit for everything from air conditioners and kids’ toys to campaign T-shirts and loan payments. The most egregious chunk of it — $10,000 — was dropped directly into his 2023 re-election campaign while he fought to hold a swing district previously controlled by Republicans. It’s the same campaign where Flanagan was fined $15,000 for inventing a fake conservative group called “Conservatives for Chris Flanagan” and using a fictional supporter named “Jeanne Louise” to funnel cash above legal limits.
So, fraud, lies, and now federal theft charges. Quite the résumé.
Flanagan allegedly tried to cover his tracks by filing phony reimbursement reports with state campaign finance officials and claiming his employer had a policy of letting him withdraw large sums for expenses. The problem? His personal bank account had only $42 in it a month before he “loaned” $10,000 to his campaign. Prosecutors say that loan was only possible because he stole from the association.
While Governor Maura Healey and others have called for Flanagan’s resignation, House Speaker Ron Mariano — a Democrat — has remained silent. Meanwhile, Republicans are demanding action.
“If he refuses to resign, then Speaker Mariano should immediately authorize and direct the House Ethics Committee to begin proceedings in this matter,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones.
Flanagan is the second Massachusetts Democrat to face federal charges this week. Just one day earlier, Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson — a progressive and former illegal immigrant — pleaded guilty to orchestrating a bribery scheme to pay off her own personal debt and agreed to resign.
Massachusetts Democrats may preach progressive values, but they’re racking up criminal indictments like it’s a sport. Maybe it’s time voters in the Bay State asked themselves: what exactly are we voting for? Because it sure doesn’t look like integrity.
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