Boston, MA – Massachusetts State Representative Christopher Flanagan, a Democrat from Barnstable, was arrested on federal fraud charges Friday morning, prompting immediate calls for his resignation from Governor Maura Healey and political figures across the state.
Gov. Healey released a statement expressing the gravity of the allegations against Flanagan, saying, “These are serious allegations against Rep. Flanagan that threaten to undermine the important work of the legislature and cast doubt on his ability to faithfully serve his constituents. He should resign.”
Flanagan, 37, was charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records. According to a federal indictment, Flanagan embezzled $36,000 from the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Cape Cod, where he served as executive officer from 2019 until 2024. The theft occurred between November 2021 and January 2023, involving wire transfers from the HBA’s bank account.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley condemned Flanagan’s actions, calling them an “appalling breach of public trust.” She added, “No one is entitled to power by way of fraud, and the people of Massachusetts deserve better.”
Before Healey’s statement, Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale criticized the state’s Democrats, urging them to demand Flanagan’s resignation. “The federal charges only confirm what was already evident: Chris Flanagan is unfit to serve, and Massachusetts Democrats must demand his resignation now,” Carnevale said.
State House Speaker Ronald Mariano, also a Democrat, expressed concern over the charges but stopped short of calling for Flanagan’s resignation. He noted that the House had first learned of Flanagan’s arrest through the media and emphasized that the allegations “undermine public trust in the legislature.”
Flanagan is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston later Friday afternoon. The investigation continues.
