Federal authorities have arrested Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan after a grand jury handed down an indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsifying records. Flanagan was taken into custody and made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston, where he pleaded not guilty before being released pending further proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that between November 2021 and January 2023, roughly $36,000 was siphoned from the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod to pay for personal expenses—including, in a striking detail, “psychic services.”
“Today’s charges reveal an appalling breach of public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Representative Flanagan allegedly funneled tens of thousands of dollars into his own pockets and went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up.”
Court documents outline a cover-up involving manipulated bookkeeping access, backdated entries, and even fabricated documents and personas. If convicted, Flanagan faces serious consequences: each wire fraud count carries up to 20 years in prison, while the falsification of records charge carries the same maximum penalty. Sentencing would ultimately be determined under federal guidelines.
This case highlights the gravity of corruption allegations against a sitting state lawmaker. With pressure likely to mount, questions remain about whether Flanagan should step aside while the legal process unfolds.
