Former Boston Metropolis Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson requested a federal choose to condemn her to a “significant amount” of neighborhood service as a substitute of jail as punishment for her public corruption conviction earlier this summer time.
The previous metropolis councilor’s request comes after she pleaded responsible in Could to corruption fees tied to a kickback scheme federal authorities stated she carried out in a Metropolis Corridor lavatory, and as a number of elected Democrats from Boston requested the choose in her case to indicate mercy.
In court docket filings submitted this week, prosecutors and her legal professional battled over whether or not Fernandes Anderson needs to be put behind bars.
Legal professional Scott Lauer, the general public defender assigned to Fernandes Anderson, stated Fernandes Anderson’s “history and characteristics suggest that her offence was aberration that will not be repeated.”
“Ms. Fernandes Anderson is devastated to have disappointed those who placed their trust in her. Although she cannot fully repair this breach of trust, she has resolved to be accountable for it. Ms. Fernandes Anderson has accepted responsibility, tendered a guilty plea, and relinquished her seat on the council,” Lauer stated in a sentencing memorandum.
Lauer requested Federal Decide Indira Talwani to impose a probationary sentence on Fernandes Anderson “with a requirement that she complete a significant amount of community service.”
Lauer additionally stated the previous metropolis councilor doesn’t oppose paying restitution however petitioned Decide Talwani to impose no effective “as she is unemployed and lacks the ability to pay.”
Fernandes Anderson pleaded responsible to fees stemming from an allegation that she gave one among her employees members a $13,000 bonus on the situation that $7,000 be handed again to her. The handoff befell in June 2023 inside a Metropolis Corridor lavatory, based on authorities.
Federal prosecutors known as on Decide Talwani to condemn Ferandnes Anderson to at least one yr and in the future in jail, three years of supervised launch, and order her to pay $13,000 in restitution and a $200 particular evaluation.
Authorities stated Fernandes Anderson’s tenure as a metropolis councilor was “marked by anything but true faith and allegiance to her constituents and to the City of Boston.”
“Fernandes Anderson acted contrary to the law and impartiality. Fernandes Anderson’s bribe scheme is part of a larger pattern of putting herself first over her constituents, a pattern of fraud marked by concealment and material omissions, and even worse, a pattern of creating false narratives that only exacerbate Fernandes Anderson’s fraudulent practices,” prosecutors stated in court docket paperwork.
Fernandes Anderson is scheduled to seem in federal court docket on Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. for a sentencing listening to earlier than Decide Talwani, based on court docket information.
Lauer argued that Fernandes Anderson noticed herself as a “voice for the marginalized community,” thrived in her political atmosphere, and cared “deeply about her district and how it is affected by council business.”
However in different features of her elected place, Lauer stated in court docket paperwork, Fernandes Anderson “proved less adept,” together with when it got here to hiring employees, setting salaries, and awarding bonuses.
Lauer pointed to Fernandes Anderson’s choice to rent members of the family “and others” in violation of battle of curiosity guidelines, alongside the allegation that she collected a kickback from a employees member.
“Doing so was wrong and a violation of the public trust. Ms. Fernandes Anderson is devastated to have disappointed those who placed their trust in her. Although she cannot fully repair this breach of trust, she has resolved to be accountable for it,” Lauer stated. “Ms. Fernandes Anderson has accepted responsibility, tendered a guilty plea, and relinquished her seat on the council.”
Federal authorities stated Fernandes Anderson’s “bribe scheme” couldn’t be chalked as much as inexperience or ignorance — “instead it is part of a pattern of putting herself first at the expense of her constituents.”
“Fernandes Anderson’s conduct in this case demonstrates anything but faith to the law and to the people whom she was elected to serve. Instead of putting her constituents and the city first, Fernandes Anderson put herself first by stealing taxpayer money to line her own pockets,” prosecutors wrote in court docket paperwork.
Elected officers in Boston name for leniency in Fernandes Anderson’s sentence
At the least three sitting Boston metropolis councilors requested Decide Talwani to indicate leniency towards Fernandes Anderson.
Councilor Brian Worrell stated Fernandes Anderson has “never shied away from difficult conversations or bold ideas.”
“What stands out most to me is her willingness to take responsibility and to grow,” Worrell stated. “Her decision to accept accountability shows a recognition of the seriousness of the situation, and I believe it reflects a person who is ready to learn from this chapter and continue contributing meaningfully to her community.”
Rep. Chris Worrell, Brian Worrell’s brother and a Democratic state lawmaker from Boston, stated Fernandes Anderson is a girl of “immense compassion, cultural understanding, and an unrelenting desire to serve her community.”
“She has faced challenges, yes, but she has also shown a willingness to be accountable, to learn, and to evolve,” Rep. Chris Worrell stated in a letter to Decide Talwani.
Boston At-Giant Metropolis Councilor Julia Mejia requested Decide Talwani to think about Fernandes Anderson’s “positive contributions.”
“While I fully acknowledge the unfortunate circumstances that have led to the need for this letter, it is crucial to emphasize the heart and intention behind Ms. Anderson’s efforts in the community. She has consistently demonstrated compassion and an unwavering commitment to the principles of equity and justice,” Mejia stated.
Boston Metropolis Councilor Liz Breadon petitioned Decide Talwani to condemn Fernandes Anderson to “at-home confinement rather than a custodial sentence.”
“While Tanya (sic) has undoubtedly fallen short in our expectations of a public servant, she has also demonstrated a heartfelt commitment to effectively serve the most vulnerable populations in our city,” Breadon stated.
Two different Boston Democrats on Beacon Hill, Sen. Liz Miranda and Rep. Russell Holmes, additionally penned letters in help.
Miranda stated a jail sentence “would have irreversible consequences — not just for Tania, but for the family she holds together and the community that still needs her strength, wisdom, and service.”
“I do not ask for exemption from accountability, but rather that you consider an alternative to incarceration that allows (Fernandes Anderson) to make restitution, continue her healing, and remain present for her children and community,” Miranda stated.
Holmes stated Fernandes Anderson “is a good and kind person who has shown remorse and a sincere desire to take responsibility for her actions.”
“I respectfully ask that you consider mercy in her sentencing and allow her the opportunity to continue contributing to her community outside of prison,” Holmes stated.
