Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan faces federal charges for allegedly embezzling $36,000 from a trade association to pay personal expenses and fund his political campaign, all while creating fake identities to cover his tracks.
At a Glance
- Rep. Christopher Flanagan is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records
- Prosecutors allege he stole $36,000 from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod while serving as its executive officer
- Flanagan allegedly used the stolen funds to pay his mortgage, credit card debt, and fund his political campaign
- He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted
- Governor Maura Healey and other officials have called for his resignation
Federal Indictment Details Elaborate Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan with stealing $36,000 from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC) where he previously worked as an Executive Officer.
The alleged theft occurred between November 2021 and January 2023, with Flanagan allegedly redirecting funds meant for the association to cover his personal expenses, including mortgage payments, credit card bills, and even psychic services. Court documents reveal that Flanagan was experiencing significant financial difficulties at the time, with bank records showing just $42 in his account before one alleged theft.
The indictment details an elaborate scheme where Flanagan allegedly used the association’s bookkeeping software under another employee’s login credentials to conceal his actions. Prosecutors claim he backdated transactions and mislabeled expenses to hide the unauthorized transfers.
Most notably, in January 2023, Flanagan allegedly stole $10,000 from the association to fund his state representative campaign, creating falsified expense reports to justify the stolen funds. During this period, he earned between $65,800 and $81,600 annually from the builders association, plus approximately $97,546 to $100,945 from his position as a state representative.
Fake Identities and Cover-Up Attempts
According to prosecutors, Flanagan went to extraordinary lengths to cover his tracks. He allegedly created a fake persona named “Jeanne Louise” to handle campaign mailings and mislead investigators looking into the financial irregularities. The charges include five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. Each wire fraud count carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while the falsification charge could add another 20 years. Flanagan could also face three years of supervised release and fines up to $250,000 per charge if convicted.
“Today’s charges against Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan reveal an appalling breach of public trust. According to the indictment, Mr. Flanagan defrauded the very organization he was supposed to serve – allegedly funneling tens of thousands of dollars into his own pockets to pay off personal bills, buy luxury items and bankroll his political campaign. He allegedly stole money and then went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up, going so far as fabricating fake personas to mislead those who questioned his conduct. This alleged scheme was calculated on every level,” states the United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.
The Office of Campaign and Political Finance has expanded its investigation into Flanagan’s campaign finance activities. The congressman, who previously served as the Dennis Select Board chair before winning his legislative seat, pleaded not guilty to all six federal charges when appearing in court. He was released without bail but must report to a probation officer and maintain his current residence as conditions of his release.
Calls for Resignation Mount
The allegations have prompted widespread calls for Flanagan’s resignation from both sides of the political aisle. Governor Maura Healey was among the first officials to demand he step down, stating that the allegations “threaten to undermine the important work of the Legislature and cast doubt on his ability to faithfully serve his constituents.” State Senator Julian Cyr echoed these sentiments, saying, “I do not see how Chris can continue to serve. For the good of his constituents and his family, he must resign.”
“These are serious allegations against Representative Flanagan that threaten to undermine the important work of the Legislature and cast doubt on his ability to faithfully serve his constituents. He should resign,” declares Governor Maura Healey.
House Speaker Ronald Mariano expressed concern over the impact on public trust, stating, “The House will continue to monitor the legal process as it plays out, and will take the appropriate steps if necessary to ensure accountability.”
The Massachusetts Republican Party has also joined in calling for Flanagan’s resignation, with MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale stating the charges “only confirm what was already evident: Chris Flanagan is unfit to serve.” Meanwhile, the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod has expressed gratitude for the investigation and stated they “trust the justice system to deliver a fair result.”
