Massachusetts Rep. Banned from Gambling for Alleged Embezzling of Nonprofit Funds

А Massachusetts state representative has been banned from gambling due to a variety of offenses. While court records did not confirm whether the man had a habit of gambling, he had embezzled money from a nonprofit association to spend on psychic services.

State Rep. Is Said to Have Embezzled Nonprofit Money

Rep. Christopher Flanagan, 37, from Dennis, Massachusetts, has found himself in hot water after being accused of wire fraud and falsifying record charges. According to the prosecution, he had appropriated money from a nonprofit trade association, spending most of it on psychic services.

The court understood that, at the time, Flanagan had served as the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod’s executive officer, providing him with ample opportunities to misuse money. He is said to have embezzled approximately $36,000 during his tenure, which ran from late 2021 to early 2023.

The highlight of this case was perhaps his use of embezzled money on psychic services. In addition to that, he used some of the misappropriated funds on menswear and buying an AC, among other things, prosecutors allege.

According to the prosecutors, Flanagan had tried to cover up his tracks by accessing the organization’s bookkeeping system under a colleague’s credentials, backdating transactions and falsifying expense records.

Attorney Slams Flanagan’s Breach of Public Trust

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the matter, saying that the charges highlight an “appalling breach of public trust” as Flanegan defrauded the organization he was supposed to serve. Worst of all, Foley said that some of the embezzled money was likely spent on his 2022 state legislative campaign.

He allegedly stole money and then went to extraordinary lengths to cover it up, going so far as fabricating fake personas to mislead those who questioned his conduct. This alleged scheme was calculated on every level.

Leah B. Foley

Foley added that no one is entitled to gain by way of fraud and noted that the people of Massachusetts “deserve better.”

Flanagan Pleads Not Guilty, Refuses to Resign

In the meantime, Flanagan has insisted on his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges. Despite that, he was banned from gambling as part of the release terms. While it is unclear whether Flanagan has a taste for casinos, this was among several measures to prevent potential misuse of funds.

Flanagan has received multiple calls for his resignation, including ones from Gov. Maura Healey and the Republican Party. As of the time of this writing, however, he has refused to step down.

Depending on the outcome of the lawsuit, the pressure against Flanagan might increase.