Federal authorities arrested Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan after a grand jury indicted him on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. He was taken into custody and scheduled for an appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to prosecutors, the indictment alleges roughly $36,000 was diverted from the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod between November 2021 and January 2023 — funds that allegedly covered personal bills and even “psychic services.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Flanagan pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance and was released pending further proceedings, reporters in Boston noted.
“Today’s charges reveal an appalling breach of public trust… [He] allegedly funneled tens of thousands of dollars into his own pockets… and went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley.
The case describes a cover-up that included manipulated bookkeeping access, backdated entries, and fabricated documents and personas, according to filings and an AP summary of the allegations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Potential penalties: Each wire-fraud count carries up to 20 years in prison (plus supervised release and fines); the records-falsification count carries up to 20 years as well, per DOJ guidance. Actual sentences, if any, are set by the court under federal guidelines. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Why it matters
This is a high-profile public-corruption case with allegations of stolen funds used for personal and political purposes. Expect additional court filings, discovery updates, and potential calls for resignation as the case proceeds.