Massachusetts state legislator indicted on COVID-19 federal fraud charges

Published August 26, 2026 12:17pm ET | Updated August 26, 2026 12:18pm ET



A Massachusetts state lawmaker was arrested Wednesday on federal charges accusing him of fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds and funneling money into personal and business accounts.

State Rep. Francisco Paulino, a Democrat who represents portions of Lawrence and Methuen, was indicted on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, according to court documents.

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