Boston Mayor Michelle Wu called for the resignation of City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson on Friday, hours after the councilor was arrested on federal corruption charges.
Fernandes Anderson is accused of receiving kickbacks from a family member she hired for her council staff. She paid the person a substantial bonus last year but arranged for a portion of the money to be given to her, according to an indictment unsealed Friday morning.
In June of last year, prosecutors claim, the family member passed Fernandes Anderson $7,000 cash in a Boston City Hall bathroom.
Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson speaks during a Boston City Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (Tréa Lavery/MassLive)Tréa Lavery/MassLive
In a statement Friday morning, Wu urged the second-term Democratic councilor to step away from her job.
“Like any member of the community, Councilor Fernandes Anderson has the right to a fair legal process,” Wu said. “But the serious nature of these charges undermine the public trust and will prevent her from effectively serving the city.”
Fernandes Anderson represents the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester and the South End.
She was arrested outside her Dorchester home around 6 a.m. Friday and is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court at 2:15 p.m. on Friday.
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