Boston District 7 City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson will resign from her post after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges brought against her in December, according to a statement released by her lawyers Tuesday morning.
“I have decided to plead guilty and resolve the case brought against me,” Fernandes Anderson said.
Fernandes Anderson was arrested for an alleged kickback scheme where she pocketed $7,000 in city funds. The indictment alleges that she hired a relative in December 2022 and gave them a substantial bonus with one stipulation: that more than half of the bonus would be given back to Fernandes Anderson. The indictment further notes that in June 2023, Fernandes Anderson and the staffer met in a Boston City Hall bathroom to exchange more than $7,000 in cash.
Fernandes Anderson went on to apologize to her constituents and asked for forgiveness from those impacted.
“I will be resigning. It is the right thing to do,” Fernandes Anderson said. It is unclear, however, when her resignation will officially take effect.
Over the next few days, Fernandes Anderson will create a transition plan with the District 7 Advisory Council, according to her statement. The group includes more than 30 representatives from across District 7, which includes portions of Roxbury, Dorchester, the South End, and Fenway.
“I will do everything possible to make an orderly exit to ensure my constituents’ needs are met,” she said.
According to the Boston city charter, a special election must take place if there is a vacancy in a district city council office more than 180 days before the municipal general election. Fernandes Anderson would need to resign on or before May 8 for this process to take effect.
At least three candidates—Said Abdikarim, Said Ahmed, and Samuel Hurtado—filed to run against Fernandes Anderson in November’s municipal election.
“I will have more to say at the appropriate time in court, but I will not be commenting further beyond this statement,” Fernandes Anderson said. “I pray that the press will respect my privacy, as well as the privacy of my family.”
