Part 2/6:
Details of the Allegations
The indictment reveals a disturbing pattern of behavior by Fernandez Anderson starting in 2023, a year during which she was reportedly facing significant financial challenges amplified by a $5,000 fine imposed by the state ethics commission for hiring immediate family members in her office.
In this context, the councilor allegedly devised a plan to award one of her relatives—a staff member—a bonus that was more than double what she typically dispensed across her entire staff in bonuses. This arrangement came with an expectation of a return kickback; specifically, Fernandez Anderson instructed the staff member to return $7,000 in cash to her after receiving the deposit of her bonus.