Federal authorities have arrested Massachusetts State Representative Chris Flanagan on embezzlement charges, the second Democratic lawmaker in the state to face criminal accusations this week.
Flanagan, 37, was arrested on Friday for allegedly misappropriating $36,000 from a former employer to cover campaign expenses, buy clothes, and pay off credit card debt. Governor Maura Healey and other officials have called for his resignation.
This follows the resignation of Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson on Thursday after pleading guilty to bribery charges.
Flanagan, while serving as executive officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, allegedly stole the funds over 14 months. He reportedly used $10,000 for his reelection campaign and spent money on personal items like t-shirts, appliances, and even psychic services. In the past, Flanagan also faced a fine for illegal fundraising.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley called the theft an “appalling breach of public trust.”
