Massachusetts Democrat State Representative Indicted on Wire Fraud and Falsification Charges
Boston, MA — A sitting Massachusetts state lawmaker is facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding a local trade organization and using the stolen funds to finance personal bills, luxury purchases, and political activities.
Christopher Flanagan, 37, the Democratic representative for the First Barnstable District, was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in Boston on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
Flanagan was arrested and appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon.
Alleged Theft from Home Builders Association
According to the indictment, Flanagan exploited his role as Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Cape Cod, an industry nonprofit, to siphon off $36,000 beginning in October 2021. The DOJ alleges that he secretly wired funds from the HBA’s accounts to himself and falsified bookkeeping records to conceal the transactions.
The scheme, prosecutors say, continued for nearly two years, during which Flanagan used HBA funds to cover personal debts, purchase luxury items, pay for psychic services, and support political expenditures tied to his state campaign.
The indictment outlines several methods used to deceive the HBA Board, including falsified financial reports, bogus expense claims, and even the alleged creation of fabricated personas to mislead those investigating the irregularities.
Obstruction and Consequences
Federal authorities further accuse Flanagan of obstructing justice, including falsifying records to cover his tracks once suspicions were raised.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned Flanagan’s conduct:
“Mr. Flanagan defrauded the very organization he was supposed to serve – allegedly funneling tens of thousands of dollars into his own pockets… This alleged scheme was calculated on every level. No one is entitled to power by way of fraud, and the people of Massachusetts deserve better.”
If convicted on all charges, Flanagan could face up to 40 years in federal prison.
The indictment represents yet another scandal in a growing list of ethical failures within Massachusetts politics. Flanagan has not yet publicly commented on the charges.
