BOSTON (WHDH) – Boston City Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested by federal authorities Friday morning.

According to the indictment, she faces five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft in connection with a program receiving federal funds.

7News legal expert Evan Gotlob said after reading the indictment, “It seems like the government has some pretty strong evidence in this case.”

Fernandes Anderson faces multiple counts of wire fraud in connection with an alleged kickback scheme in collaboration with a relative of hers whom she hired to work in her office and then paid a bonus that was twice as large as any other bonus in her office, and then gave her $7,000 of that bonus in a bathroom.

“It’s very serious,” Gotlob said. “Any time a public official accepts bribes or kickbacks, it is very serious. All of their work is financed by tax money. Taxpayers trust these people to represent them, make laws, and do good. In this case, based on the allegations, the councilwoman did not do so.”

This is not the first time Fernandes Anderson has faced consequences for hiring family members.

“She initially hired immediate family members, for which she received a fine,” Gotlob said. “She had to lay off two of them, then she hired another family member and paid that family member an inflated amount as a bonus, which she took back for herself. In doing so, she does not win the public trust of her voters. These allegations are very serious here.”

The city councilman is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday. Gotlob said it was unlikely the government would arrest Fernandes Anderson and she would likely be released later in the day. The case process then continues with disclosure and other issues.

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