Tania Fernandes Anderson, a city councilor in Boston, was indicted on public corruption charges for her involvement in a kickback scheme where she received thousands of dollars from a staff employee in exchange for a bonus. She was arrested by FBI agents outside her home in Dorchester, Boston and faces federal charges of wire fraud and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The indictment alleges that Anderson violated conflict of interest laws by hiring family members at city hall and increasing their salaries, for which she was fined. She also allegedly gave a relative a $13,000 bonus with an agreement to receive a portion of the money back. The relative withdrew $7,000 from the bonus and handed it to Anderson in a City Hall bathroom. She was elected to the Boston City Council in 2021 and has worked in various roles including as a business owner, child social worker, and foster parent. The investigation is ongoing and no one else has been charged in connection to the case. Anderson is scheduled to appear in federal court. Anyone with information should contact the FBI.
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