State Rep Charged with Pandemic Loan Fraud and Money Laundering
Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro joined United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Tom Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General in announcing the arrest and indictment of Massachusetts State Representative Francisco Paulino of Methuen, MA on eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.
The indictments allege that the defendant engaged in numerous fraudulent applications for federal pandemic relief funds.
IG Shapiro made the following statement:
“Today’s actions demonstrate the strength of our federal and state partnership to hold those with nefarious intent accountable.
The alleged conduct uncovered today plus the alleged conduct uncovered two weeks ago not only diverted federal pandemic funds from individuals and small businesses who truly needed such relief to get back on their feet but also violated the oath that these two public officials took to uphold the law.
These defendants were elected to serve the public, and instead it is alleged that they served themselves. Public service should never be self-service.”
For more information, please view the U.S. Attorney’s press release:
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