Cape Cod Lawmaker Christopher Flanagan Charged with Embezzlement and Fraud

A Democratic state lawmaker from Cape Cod is facing federal charges claiming he stole tens of thousands of dollars from a nonprofit organization he once led and used some of the money to fund his political campaign..Massachusetts state Representative Christopher Flanagan (D-Dennis), who represents the state's First Barnstable District, was arrested and indicted Friday on five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. He appeared in federal court in Boston the same day, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released without bond but must report to probation, stay employed, and get court approval before changing his residence.Flanagan, 37, stands accused of embezzling $36,000 from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, where he served as executive officer before winning election to the Massachusetts House, according to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Prosecutors say he siphoned money from the association's accounts between November 2021 and January 2023 and tried to cover his tracks with falsified expense reports.Flanagan is accused of using the stolen funds to pay for campaign-related materials — including T-shirts and mailers — as well as personal items like psychic services, Macy’s menswear, an air conditioner, and an electric dryer.“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,” United States Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. “No one is entitled to power by way of fraud, and the people of Massachusetts deserve better.”Flanagan’s attorney, Greg Henning, told reporters that the lawmaker recently underwent heart surgery and was focused on reuniting with his wife and three children. Henning declined to say whether Flanagan would resign.Calls for his resignation have come from across the political spectrum.Governor Maura Healey, a liberal Democrat, urged Flanagan to step down, saying the charges “threaten to undermine the important work of the Legislature and cast doubt on his ability to faithfully serve his constituents.”State Senator Julian Cyr, D-Truro, who also represents a portion of Cape Cod, said he wants Flanagan gone, as did the Massachusetts Republican Party and House minority leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading), GBH News reported.“This is not the first time the Massachusetts Republican Party has called for Chris Flanagan to resign,” MassGOP chairman Amy Carnevale said in a press release. “Back in January, when the Office of Campaign and Political Finance found Flanagan responsible for violating campaign finance laws — including fabricating a false alias to intentionally mislead his constituents — we said then that he had no place in public office. The federal charges only confirm what was already evident: Chris Flanagan is unfit to serve, and Massachusetts Democrats must demand his resignation now.”Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) had not called on Flanagan to resign as of Friday night.“While every American is entitled to due process, the charges that have been brought against Representative Flanagan are extraordinarily concerning, and undermine public trust in the Legislature,” Mariano said in a written statement. “The House will continue to monitor the legal process as it plays out, and will take the appropriate steps if necessary to ensure accountability.”Flanagan was first elected in 2022 and began his second term in January, representing Dennis, Yarmouth, and Brewster. He won the general election with 57 percent of the vote. This is not the first time Flanagan has faced scrutiny over allegations of dishonesty. Last year, his campaign paid thousands of dollars in penalties after regulators found he had fabricated a person named “Jeanne Louise” for use on campaign mailers claiming support from local conservatives.If Flanagan refuses to resign, legislative leaders may face pressure to pursue removal — a rare step in Massachusetts. The last time a state lawmaker was expelled from the House was in 2014.Former state representative Tim Whelan, a Republican who previously held Flanagan’s seat, said House leaders should act swiftly.“I see no reason for the House to hold off on taking immediate action here,” Whelan told GBH News. “It’s a disservice to the 44,000-some odd people who are voters who live in the First Barnstable district. They deserve honest representation — which they are most certainly not receiving right now.”

Cape Cod Lawmaker Christopher Flanagan Charged with Embezzlement and Fraud

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