Former Boston city councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who pleaded guilty to running a kickback scheme, was sentenced Friday to one month in prison.She was ordered to report to prison on Oct. 17.During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Tania Fernandes Anderson began sobbing and told the judge how sorry she feels. Outside the federal courthouse, after the sentencing, the former city councilor spoke about racial issues in Boston and her dislike for the media. “I wasn’t trying to gain momentum or popularity. I actually don’t like talking to you guys. I actually don’t like being in the media; it’s just too much. And so, can you please, for the love of God, stop talking about me. Just let the story go. It happened. I took responsibility,” she said. “Tania Fernandes Anderson was elected to serve her constituents, but instead, she deliberately used her elected position as a Boston City Councilor to serve herself,” United States Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement.Fernandes Anderson was arrested at her Dorchester home in December on federal fraud and theft charges in connection with the kickback scheme.She pleaded guilty in May to securing a $13,000 bonus for a staff member and then taking an envelope with $7,000 in cash from that staff member in a city hall bathroom, and she relinquished her seat on the council.Her defense attorney has argued that Fernandes Anderson was a caring public servant who “did not fully appreciate her role as a public steward.” In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said their request of a year and a day in prison was justified by what they wrote was her “pattern of greed, deceit, and abuse of power.””Fernandes Anderson’s history shows that she never learns her lesson,” the government’s memorandum said, pointing to her being ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for an ethics violation related to her hiring her son and sister for city hall jobs before beginning the bribery scheme.They also wrote that she used campaign finances to make personal purchases at Target for candles, throw pillows, skirts and other items. Defense attorney Scott Lauer wrote that despite Fernandes Anderson’s background, “marked by poverty and trauma,” she rose to become what she saw as a voice for a marginalized community who “cares deeply about her district and how it is affected by council business.””But in other aspects of her position, she proved less adept. As a councilor, she was vested with discretion to hire staff, set salaries, and award bonuses. Ms. Fernandes Anderson’s instinct was to use her authority to uplift those she was closest to. She did not fully appreciate her role as a public steward, the need to set appropriate boundaries, and the importance of avoiding financial entanglements,” Lauer wrote.Lauer argued that Fernandes Anderson should be sentenced to probation and a “significant amount” of community service.Ultimately, Judge Indira Talwani sentenced Fernandes Anderson to one month in prison, three years of supervised release. She will be required to pay $13,000 in restitution and a $200 special assessment.
Former Boston city councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who pleaded guilty to running a kickback scheme, was sentenced Friday to one month in prison.
She was ordered to report to prison on Oct. 17.
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Tania Fernandes Anderson began sobbing and told the judge how sorry she feels. Outside the federal courthouse, after the sentencing, the former city councilor spoke about racial issues in Boston and her dislike for the media.
“I wasn’t trying to gain momentum or popularity. I actually don’t like talking to you guys. I actually don’t like being in the media; it’s just too much. And so, can you please, for the love of God, stop talking about me. Just let the story go. It happened. I took responsibility,” she said.
“Tania Fernandes Anderson was elected to serve her constituents, but instead, she deliberately used her elected position as a Boston City Councilor to serve herself,” United States Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement.
Fernandes Anderson was arrested at her Dorchester home in December on federal fraud and theft charges in connection with the kickback scheme.
She pleaded guilty in May to securing a $13,000 bonus for a staff member and then taking an envelope with $7,000 in cash from that staff member in a city hall bathroom, and she relinquished her seat on the council.
Her defense attorney has argued that Fernandes Anderson was a caring public servant who “did not fully appreciate her role as a public steward.”
In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said their request of a year and a day in prison was justified by what they wrote was her “pattern of greed, deceit, and abuse of power.”
“Fernandes Anderson’s history shows that she never learns her lesson,” the government’s memorandum said, pointing to her being ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for an ethics violation related to her hiring her son and sister for city hall jobs before beginning the bribery scheme.
They also wrote that she used campaign finances to make personal purchases at Target for candles, throw pillows, skirts and other items.
Defense attorney Scott Lauer wrote that despite Fernandes Anderson’s background, “marked by poverty and trauma,” she rose to become what she saw as a voice for a marginalized community who “cares deeply about her district and how it is affected by council business.”
“But in other aspects of her position, she proved less adept. As a councilor, she was vested with discretion to hire staff, set salaries, and award bonuses. Ms. Fernandes Anderson’s instinct was to use her authority to uplift those she was closest to. She did not fully appreciate her role as a public steward, the need to set appropriate boundaries, and the importance of avoiding financial entanglements,” Lauer wrote.
Lauer argued that Fernandes Anderson should be sentenced to probation and a “significant amount” of community service.
Ultimately, Judge Indira Talwani sentenced Fernandes Anderson to one month in prison, three years of supervised release. She will be required to pay $13,000 in restitution and a $200 special assessment.
