Democrat Massachusetts lawmaker arrested for fraud, used stolen funds to purchase 'psychic services': feds
The Democrat Massachusetts lawmaker allegedly used the money for campaign expenses as well
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Democratic lawmaker in Massachusetts was arrested and charged after he allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars from a local trade association to fund both personal and political expenses.
Massachusetts state Rep. Christopher Flanagan, 37, was indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records on Friday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Flanagan served as the executive officer of the Home Builders Association in Cape Cod and received a salary and benefits ranging from $65,800 to $81,600 from 2019 to 2024, when he was working there. Flanagan also received $97,546 and $100,945 in 2023 and 2024, from his position as a legislator.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Beginning around October 2021, Flanagan was facing financial trouble and stole $36,000 in Home Builders Association funds through bank wire transfers, according to the DOJ.
Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan was arrested on Friday. (Rep. Christopher Flanagan/Facebook and DOJ)
From Nov. 18, 2021 and Jan. 28, 2023, Flanagan wired anywhere from $1,500 and $10,000 on several separate occasions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Justice Department said Flanagan used the funds to pay mortgage bills, pay down debt, and even used it to pay for personal psychic services.
In an expense report, the DOJ said Flanagan claimed to have spent $159.36 on "technology services" at Best Buy and $537.26 on "Office Supplies" at 4Imprint, but records showed the money was used to buy a Bluetooth speaker and T-shirts for his political campaign.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A campaign mailer allegedly sent by Massachusetts State Rep. Christopher Flanagan. (DOJ)
Another expense report shows $3,784.84 was spent on office supplies. The DOJ, however, said that $2,118.10 was used for personal expenses at Best Buy, Macy's and Target.
Federal authorities also alleged that Flanagan obstructed an investigation by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance when he attributed the source of a campaign mailer to "Jeanne Louise," a false persona that he allegedly created.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Christopher Flanagan allegedly falsified expense reports.
Flanagan faces up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge and up to 20 years for the falsification of records charge.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Flanagan and his attorney for comment.