The arrest of Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson on public corruption charges has sent shockwaves through the city’s political landscape. FBI agents detained Fernandes Anderson at her Dorchester home Friday morning, following a federal investigation into allegations of fraud, theft, and ethics violations. The charges stem from a series of incidents that prosecutors say involved kickbacks, improper hiring practices, and campaign finance violations.

Federal prosecutors allege that Fernandes Anderson, facing personal financial difficulties, engaged in a scheme to defraud the city by arranging for a staff member to receive bonus pay, a significant portion of which would be kicked back to her. Court documents describe a damning exchange in June 2023, where the staff member texted Fernandes Anderson, “Bathroom,” signaling they were ready to hand over $7,000 in cash at City Hall. Moments later, Fernandes Anderson allegedly confirmed via text, “Ready.” The cash was reportedly exchanged in a City Hall bathroom.

The filing also highlights previous violations, including the hiring of immediate family members—against city rules—and an Ethics Commission fine of $5,000 for those infractions. Additionally, last month, Massachusetts campaign finance regulators flagged her campaign for accepting contributions above the legal limit and failing to file required deposit information on time.

The allegations have drawn swift condemnation from local leaders. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, while emphasizing Fernandes Anderson’s right to due process, called for her resignation, stating, “The serious nature of these charges undermines the public trust and will prevent her from effectively serving the city.”

Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, echoed the sentiment, describing the charges as a betrayal of the city’s taxpayers. “This case illustrates how the FBI, and our partners, are working hard every day to battle public corruption and the corrosive damage it does to people’s faith in government,” Cohen said in a statement.

Fernandes Anderson’s arrest is particularly striking given her historic election in 2021, which made her the first African immigrant and Muslim-American elected to the Boston City Council. Representing District 7, which includes diverse neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and parts of the South End, she ran on a platform of advocacy and community empowerment. Her biography touts her experience as a child social worker, homeless shelter program manager, and foster parent to 17 children.