Boston City Councilor Fernandes Anderson to plead guilty in corruption case

Catch up quick: Fernandes Anderson was arrested in December on six federal felony counts.

• Prosecutors say she orchestrated a $7,000 kickback scheme with a relative on her office staff.
• They say the money exchange took place in a City Hall bathroom in June 2023.
• She initially pleaded not guilty but has changed course.

The latest: In a statement provided to Axios by her attorney, Anderson wrote, "I will be resigning. It is the right thing to do."

What she's saying: "I have decided to plead guilty and resolve the case brought against me. I would like to apologize to my constituents, supporters, and all who have been impacted."

• "Please forgive me," Anderson wrote in the statement.
• Anderson wrote she will "evaluate transition plans and timeline" with her district advisory council and will "do everything possible to make an orderly exit to ensure my constituents' needs are met."

Fernandes Anderson will plead guilty to wire fraud and theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, court records filed Tuesday show.

• The government is dropping four other counts as part of the plea deal.
• Axios has reached out to Fernandes Anderson's attorney, Scott Lauer, for comment on the plea agreement.

Zoom in: The indictment alleges Fernandes Anderson gave a bonus of $13,000 to a relative working for her with the condition that $7,000 be returned.

• Per the government, the counselor owed back rent and car payments at the time.

What's next: The court will schedule a hearing to receive the new plea.

• Prosecutors recommended she be sentenced to a year behind bars, followed by 36 months of supervised release and forfeiture of $13,000.