The Massachusetts Home Ethics Committee plans to open an investigation into Rep. Chris Flanagan, the Dennis Port Democrat charged with federal fraud, after his court docket proceedings wrap up, a key lawmaker stated in a press release.
Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian, a Melrose Democrat who chairs the Home Ethics Committee, stated she is going to watch for Flanagan’s judicial affairs to “play out to avoid any possible disruption or obstruction to the ongoing criminal proceedings.”
“The committee will conduct an investigation into Rep. Flanagan at the conclusion of the judicial proceedings,” she stated within the assertion Monday.
Federal authorities arrested Flanagan final week on costs that he stole tens of hundreds of {dollars} from a commerce affiliation he as soon as labored for, lined up the thefts, after which used the cash to pay private payments and fund his marketing campaign for elected workplace.
Flanagan pleaded not responsible to the accusations throughout a court docket look Friday.
His legal professional, Greg Henning, stated Flanagan was trying ahead to “returning to go see his family” however didn’t say if the lawmaker would resign from his seat amid calls from among the state’s prime Democrats.
Henning stated he had “nothing further at this point” when requested Monday whether or not Flanagan had determined to vacate his publish.
A federal indictment launched final week alleged Flanagan shuttled tens of hundreds from a commerce group he beforehand labored for into his checking account as he confronted private monetary problem, together with excellent bank card debt, missed mortgage funds, and a whole bunch of {dollars} in financial institution overdraft charges.
In a single January 2023 switch, federal prosecutors alleged Flanagan stole $10,000 from the House Builders and Remodelers Affiliation of Cape Cod to fund his first marketing campaign for state consultant.
Prosecutors additionally stated Flanagan stole funds through direct debit transactions to pay for “personal psychic services” in July 2022.
The indictment stated Flanagan hid the stolen cash from the commerce affiliation’s board by logging into their accounting and bookkeeping software program utilizing one other worker’s credentials to enter backdated transactions and false codes for the withdrawals.
Flanagan received reelection in November with 56% of the vote after dealing with Republican challenger Gerald O’Connell within the basic election and operating unopposed within the Democratic major, in keeping with state knowledge.
Elected officers, together with lawmakers on Cape Cod and Gov. Maura Healey, have referred to as for Flanagan’s resignation.
Home Speaker Ron Mariano didn’t name for his resignation, as an alternative saying the fees towards Flanagan have been “extraordinarily concerning and undermine public trust in the Legislature.”
“The House will continue to monitor the legal process as it plays out, and will take the appropriate steps if necessary to ensure accountability,” Mariano stated in a press release final week.
