Massachusetts State Representative Chris Flanagan Arrested on Embezzlement Charges
Federal authorities have arrested Massachusetts State Representative Chris Flanagan on charges of embezzlement, marking the second time this week that a Democratic lawmaker from the state has faced criminal allegations.
According to a statement released Friday by U.S. Attorney Leah Foley, Flanagan allegedly misappropriated approximately $36,000 from a former employer to fund personal expenses, including campaign costs, clothing, credit card payments, and even psychic services. The arrest has prompted Governor Maura Healey and other state officials to call for his immediate resignation.
Flanagan, 37, allegedly diverted the funds while serving as executive officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod over a 14-month period. Upon discovery of the theft, he reportedly admitted wrongdoing and offered to repay the stolen amount. The case, initially investigated by a local district attorney, was later referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The federal indictment outlines that during his 2023 reelection campaign—an especially competitive race for a seat previously held by Republicans—Flanagan funneled $10,000 of the misappropriated funds into his campaign account. This isn’t his first campaign-related controversy: in an earlier race, Flanagan was fined $15,000 for creating a fake political group called “Conservatives for Chris Flanagan” and for accepting unlawful contributions under a pseudonym, “Jeanne Louise.”
Additional personal spending listed in the indictment includes:
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$537 on campaign t-shirts,
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Purchases of dress shirts, ties, a children’s toy set, an electric dryer, and an air conditioner,
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And payment for “psychic services” in July 2022.
The Boston Globe reports that Flanagan forged expense reports submitted to state campaign finance regulators, falsely claiming the funds were valid reimbursements. He allegedly deposited the funds into his personal account on February 23, categorizing the money as a “candidate loan”—despite having just $42.28 in his account the month prior.
At the time of the alleged theft, Flanagan was earning $97,000 annually as a state lawmaker, in addition to $81,600 from his role at the Cape Cod remodeling association.
According to prosecutors, Flanagan’s financial problems began in late 2021, when he was already struggling with mounting credit card debt, missed mortgage payments, and multiple bank overdrafts. Authorities believe his theft from the association began in November 2021.
Flanagan is the second Massachusetts Democrat to face federal charges in a week. Just a day earlier, Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson—a progressive and the first former undocumented immigrant to serve on the council—resigned after pleading guilty to bribery and financial misconduct aimed at paying off personal debt.
The mounting scandals have intensified calls for accountability. House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R) urged swift action:
“If he refuses to resign, then Speaker Ron Mariano should immediately authorize and direct the House Ethics Committee to begin proceedings in this matter.”