Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino Charged with $700,000 Pandemic Benefit Fraud and Money Laundering
Massachusetts State Representative Francisco Paulino was arrested in Lawrence and faces charges of pandemic benefit fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors allege that Paulino, 46, fraudulently obtained over $700,000 in COVID-19 unemployment insurance benefits and small-business loans. These funds were reportedly used to purchase property and provide loans to clients of his tax preparation and mortgage businesses before his election to the State House in 2023. Paulino, a Democrat representing the 16th Essex District, was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions. Prosecutors claim he used intermediaries and other individuals' identities to funnel pandemic relief funds into his personal and business bank accounts between April 2020 and December 2021. Following his arraignment in federal court in Boston, Paulino was released under conditions that include suspending operations of his business, Madison Tax LLC, until his next court appearance scheduled fo... 
