Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino was arrested in Lawrence on Wednesday, facing charges of pandemic benefit fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors allege that the 46-year-old illegally obtained over $700,000 in COVID unemployment benefits and small-business loans, using the money to buy property and lend to clients of his tax preparation and mortgage businesses before his 2023 election to the State House.
Representing the 16th Essex District, which covers Lawrence and Methuen, Paulino was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions. Authorities say he used intermediaries and other people’s identities to move relief funds into his personal and business accounts from April 2020 to December 2021.
He was arraigned in federal court in Boston and released under conditions, including suspending operations of his business, Madison Tax LLC, until at least his next court date on Oct. 7. source
