BREAKING: Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges; House Ethics Probe Announced
Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan, a Democrat representing the 1st Barnstable District, has been indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsifying records. The charges stem from allegations that Flanagan misappropriated approximately $36,000 from the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBA), where he served as an executive officer from 2019 to 2024. Boston.com+10Cape Cod Times+10WCVB+10WBUR+7Cape Cod Times+7Cape Cod Times+7
Federal prosecutors allege that between November 2021 and January 2023, Flanagan diverted funds from the HBA to cover personal expenses, including mortgage payments, credit card debts, and even psychic services. Additionally, it’s claimed that he used $10,000 of the misappropriated funds to support his 2022 campaign for state representative. Boston.com+9AP News+9Wikipedia+9Cape Cod Times+1Boston 25 News+1
To conceal the alleged fraud, Flanagan is accused of accessing the HBA’s computer system using another employee’s credentials, backdating transactions, and submitting falsified expense reports. One such report purportedly listed over $500 for “office supplies,” which authorities claim was actually used to purchase campaign-related items. Wikipedia+5AP News+5Boston 25 News+5Cape Cod Times
In a separate incident, during an investigation by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Flanagan admitted to creating a fictitious persona, “Jeanne Louise,” to falsely endorse his campaign through mailers from a non-existent group called “Conservatives for Dennis.” This led to a personal penalty of $9,000 and a $6,000 fine for his campaign. AP News+2Cape Cod Times+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia
Flanagan pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment in federal court in Boston and was released under conditions including surrendering his passport and reporting to a probation officer. His attorney, Greg Henning, stated that Flanagan had no further comments and requested privacy for his family. Cape Cod Times+7Boston.com+7Cape Cod Times+7Cape Cod Times+1AP News+1
In response to the indictment, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and House Speaker Ronald Mariano have both called for Flanagan’s resignation, citing the severity of the allegations and the need to maintain public trust in the legislature. AP News
The Massachusetts House Committee on Ethics has announced it will initiate its own investigation into Flanagan’s conduct following the conclusion of the judicial proceedings. Potential outcomes of this probe could include reprimand, censure, or expulsion from the House. Boston.com+1Cape Cod Times+1
Flanagan, who was re-elected to his second term in November 2024, represents the towns of Dennis, Yarmouth, and Brewster. An initial status conference for his case is scheduled for May 22. Cape Cod Times+1Wikipedia+1
These developments mark a significant moment in Massachusetts politics, as the state grapples with the implications of the charges against a sitting legislator.
