A federal choose agreed final week to bar Rep. Chris Flanagan, a Dennis Port Democrat dealing with fraud prices, from playing, incurring bank card prices that will deliver his stability over $5,000, or opening any extra traces of credit score over the identical quantity with out prior approval.
Authorities arrested Flanagan in April on accusations that he stole tens of 1000’s of {dollars} from a former employer, coated up the thefts, after which used the cash to pay private payments. He pleaded not responsible and was launched on the situation that he keep employed or search a brand new job.
However in a July 22 court docket doc, legal professionals working below U.S. Lawyer for Massachusetts Leah Foley urged a choose to impose up to date situations of launch that concentrate on playing and bank card utilization.
“The government believes that certain conditions related to the defendant’s finances are necessary in this case,” federal prosecutors stated within the doc. “The government has conferred with the counsel for the defendant regarding the addition of certain financial conditions, and the parties agree (to the new conditions).”
A spokesperson for Foley declined to remark.
Greg Henning, a lawyer representing Flanagan, stated the restrictions on playing and bank card utilization have been a part of the unique phrases and situations of Flanagan’s launch however have been solely not too long ago filed by prosecutors.
Federal prosecutors earlier this 12 months alleged that Flanagan shuttled tens of 1000’s of {dollars} from a commerce group he as soon as labored for into his checking account as he confronted private monetary problem, together with excellent bank card debt, missed mortgage funds, and tons of of {dollars} in financial institution overdraft charges.
Flanagan is paid simply over $82,000 a 12 months as a state lawmaker and earns tens of 1000’s extra in “other pay” due to the committees he sits on, in keeping with state payroll information. He was beforehand the manager officer of the Residence Builders and Remodelers Affiliation of Cape Cod.
However court docket information stated he maintained “low, and at times negative, daily bank balances in his Bank of America account.”
Legal professionals for the federal authorities accused Flanagan of additionally utilizing stolen cash to pay for “personal psychic services” and fund his marketing campaign account, in keeping with court docket paperwork.
As a part of his launch, a choose initially ordered Flanagan to proceed or actively search employment, give up any passport to probation officers, not acquire a brand new journey doc, keep his residence, and never transfer with out prior permission, amongst different issues.
Justice of the Peace Choose Donald Cabell signed off on extra situations final week that prohibit Flanagan from in-person playing, simulcasting, horse wagering, on-line sports activities wagering, lotteries, or every other type of playing, in keeping with court docket paperwork.
He additionally can’t incur new bank card prices that will deliver his stability over $5,000 or open extra traces of credit score over $5,000 with out the approval of his probation officer, court docket paperwork stated.
Flanagan confronted a wave of calls to resign when he was first charged with federal fraud. He has continued to function a state consultant and has not stated whether or not he plans to stay in his seat.
Prime lawmakers operating the Massachusetts Home Ethics Committee plan to open an investigation into Flanagan’s conduct as soon as his court docket proceedings wrap up.
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