Wu is looking on the Boston City Council, which is facing federal charges, to resign

Local News

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is looking on Boston City Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson to resign after she was arrested on federal corruption charges Friday morning.

Several city councilors also called for Fernandes Anderson's resignation on Friday afternoon.

The District 7 representative was charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft related to programs that received federal funds. The US Attorney's Office announced this on Friday.

“Like every member of the community, Councilor Fernandes Anderson has the right to a fair trial. But the seriousness of these allegations undermines the public’s trust and will prevent them from effectively serving the city,” Wu said in a press release. “I call on Councilor Fernandes Anderson to resign.”

The councilman, who represents Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and a part of the South End, is scheduled to look in federal court in Boston on Friday at 2:15 p.m.

Other reactions

On Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., City Councilors Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy and Sharon Durkan, in addition to Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, called for Fernandes Anderson's resignation.

Flynn said the allegations against the town council were “very disturbing.”

“This is unfortunately the result of a series of legal and ethical lapses by members of the Boston City Council in recent years that have both reflected poorly on the city and prevented us from caring about the people’s business,” said Flynn. “It is critical that elected officials appointed to positions of public trust work to provide positive and ethical leadership.”

In a press release to Boston.com, Flynn said he plans to order a hearing Friday on the creation of an ethics commission on the Boston City Council.

Murphy also called the allegations against Fernandes Anderson “deeply disturbing.”

“Elected officials are charged with honestly and ethically representing the public and must not abuse their power for personal gain,” Murphy said in a press release. “Actions like these undermine public trust and perpetuate the harmful belief that our City Council is unworthy of the trust of those we serve.”

Murphy continued: “I firmly believe that any officer who engages in criminal activity or unethical behavior must be held fully accountable. We are here to empower and protect the people of Boston, not to exploit our positions for personal gain. To betray that trust is to betray every resident who looks to us for leadership.”

Murphy also said she hopes justice is correctly served.

“If these allegations are proven true, I expect swift and appropriate action to be taken to ensure that justice is served and the integrity of our government is preserved,” she said.

In addition, City Council President Louijeune said that Fernandes Anderson should resign in order that the authority can proceed its work without disruption.

“Councilman Fernandes Anderson has every right to due process in court. “Given the seriousness of the allegations against her and the direct impact they have on residents’ ability to view the Boston City Council as their faithful stewards, it is in the body’s best interest that she resign,” she said in a press release Opinion Opinion. “This would allow the legal process to proceed without undue disruption to the panel.”

Durkan said the allegations damaged the council's repute.

“These allegations demonstrate a clear failure to maintain the integrity and fiduciary responsibility required of a public official.” Durkan said in a press release. “Only by prioritizing accountability and integrity can we build public trust and ensure that City Hall remains a place of service and not self-interest.”

Fernandes Anderson allegedly implemented a plan to rent a relative — which is prohibited for Boston city councilors — and agreed to pay the worker $13,000 as a bonus on the condition that a few of it’s returned to her, based on reports Court documents show.

Authorities said the worker and Fernandes Anderson allegedly arranged to fulfill in a restroom at City Hall, where the worker handed the councilman $7,000 in money.

The Massachusetts Republican Party called the town council's alleged misconduct “completely abhorrent.”

“Boston deserves so much better,” said the Republican caucus Posted on X.

Just completely disgusting. Boston City Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested on corruption charges. Boston deserves so significantly better. #mapoli #bospoli https://t.co/ER4nHZaUpw pic.twitter.com/Nbu42JsWW2

– MassGOP (@massgop) December 6, 2024