Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty Monday to federal wire fraud and theft charges stemming from a kickback scheme.
The councilor appeared in US District Court Boston and admitted guilt to taking a $7,000 kickback. The funds were reportedly received inside a City Hall bathroom from a relative who worked on her staff.
Fernandes Anderson, a 46-year-old Democrat, made history in 2021 as the first Muslim elected to the city council.
She previously resisted calls for her resignation from colleagues and Mayor Michelle Wu following her arrest in December on federal public corruption charges. Fernandes Anderson initially pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, but announced in April she would plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds.
Court filings had indicated her intention to change her plea. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of one year and one day in prison, three years of supervised release, and payment of $13,000 in restitution, according to a statement.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated that the guilty plea shows Fernandes Anderson "broke the law, lied to the public, and used her office for her own personal gain."
Sentencing is scheduled for July 29 before US District Judge Indira Talwani.
Fernandes Anderson stated through her attorney in April her intention to resign, saying "it is the right thing to do." She represented District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and part of the South End, since 2022.
Questions remain regarding the timing of her formal departure and whether a special election will be necessary. The city's charter indicates a special election if a councilor resigns before May 8. Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Councilor Liz Breadon have filed a petition calling to bypass a special election, favoring filling the seat in the November general election. Secretary of State William F. Galvin and state Sen. Liz Miranda have backed this position.
Outside the courthouse, Fernandes Anderson reportedly explained she had not yet resigned to ensure District 7 retained a vote in the budget process.
