Federal authorities have arrested a Massachusetts lawmaker on embezzlement charges, marking the second high-profile criminal case involving a Democratic official in the state this week. State Representative Chris Flanagan was taken into custody Friday morning for allegedly embezzling around $36,000 from a former employer to cover campaign costs, clothing purchases, and credit card debt, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Leah Foley. The arrest has led Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and other state leaders to call for Flanagan’s resignation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Flanagan, 37, misappropriated the funds over a 14-month span while serving as executive officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod. When the theft was uncovered, Flanagan reportedly admitted to taking the money and pledged to repay it. He later resigned from the organization, and the case—initially reviewed by the local Democratic district attorney—was ultimately transferred to Foley, the Trump administration’s U.S. attorney for Massachusetts.
According to the indictment, Flanagan allegedly funneled $10,000 of the embezzled funds into his 2023 campaign as he faced a competitive reelection battle to retain a seat once held by Republicans. In a prior campaign, he was fined $15,000 for creating a fake outside group called “Conservatives for Chris Flanagan” and using the alias “Jeanne Louise” to solicit donations that exceeded legal contribution limits.
Flanagan spent $537 on t-shirts for his campaign. He also used additional funds to pay down credit card bills, purchase an electric dryer and air conditioner, and make various other purchases, including ties, dress shirts, and toys for children, according to the Boston Globe. Foley’s office added that Flanagan also spent part of the stolen funds on “personal psychic services” in July 2022.
The theft represents an “appalling breach of public trust,” she added in a separate statement. “Mr. Flanagan defrauded the very organization he was supposed to serve,” Foley said. “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.”