State Rep. Christopher Flanagan Charged with Federal Fraud; House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation
In a stunning development, Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan (D-Barnstable) is under federal indictment and facing a House Ethics Committee investigation after being charged with wire fraud and identity theft.
Federal prosecutors allege that Flanagan, who previously served as executive director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, abused his position to submit fake invoices and siphon more than $75,000 into his personal bank account.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office unsealed the criminal complaint last Friday, citing what it called “serious breaches of public trust.” Flanagan is formally charged with:
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Two counts of wire fraud
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One count of aggravated identity theft
According to the complaint, Flanagan allegedly created and submitted false vendor documents to carry out the scheme.
The situation is quickly escalating, with both federal authorities and the Massachusetts House Ethics Committee moving forward with separate investigations into Flanagan’s conduct.
